FARMINGTON – Piedra Vista wasted little time making a statement, dominating on the ground to retain the coveted “Milk Jug” and strengthen its case for a deep Class 5A postseason run with a commanding 56-20 win over rival Farmington on Friday night at Hutchinson Stadium.
The Panthers (1-0) extended their edge in the crosstown rivalry series to 15-12 against Class 6A Farmington (0-1).
Piedra Vista racked up nearly 500 rushing yards, led by senior quarterback Reuben Marquez, who ran for at least 160 yards, threw for 67 yards and accounted for two touchdowns. Kael Farley added 120 receiving yards, while Amasi Griego scored three touchdowns.
“We feel like we have a really solid offense,” Piedra Vista coach Jared Howell said. “When our skill guys can get to that upper level, it’s going to be a problem, and we’re going to be able to move the ball. We also have the ability to throw — we have a quarterback that can run and see, so there’s lots of ways to spread the ball out.”
After recovering an early fumble by Farmington senior quarterback Rock Kalcich, the Panthers quickly capitalized, taking over at the Scorpions’ 29-yard line. Piedra Vista blitzed through Farmington’s defense, with Griego scoring on the ensuing drive. The Panthers failed to convert the extra point, a problem that continued as they missed all three of their field-goal attempts.
The Scorpions answered on the following possession when Kalcich connected with junior Canton Cahoon, who turned the catch into a nearly 60-yard touchdown. The extra point gave Farmington its only lead of the night, 7-6. Kalcich finished with about 120 passing yards, while Cahoon led the Scorpions with nearly 90 rushing yards.
Piedra Vista quickly reclaimed the lead when Marquez connected with Griego for his second touchdown of the night. The Panthers added a successful two-point conversion to take a 14-7 lead. Piedra Vista converted 4 of 5 two-point attempts on the night.
The Panthers doubled down, forcing the Scorpions into an early turnover at their own 7-yard line. Piedra Vista turned Farmington’s mistakes into two more touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions, highlighted by Farley’s 54-yard rushing touchdown to open the second quarter with a 28-7 lead.
Senior A.J. Cockrell followed Farley with a 70-yard touchdown run, then Marquez capped another drive with a two-point run up the right side to give Piedra Vista a 36-7 lead. The Scorpions answered before halftime as Kalcich connected with senior Talon Stowell for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 36-14.
The Panthers picked up where they left off, leaning on their ground game. Senior Joshua Zepeda broke loose for a 36-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Marquez recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and raced into the end zone, pushing Piedra Vista ahead, 44-14.
Piedra Vista penalties opened the door for Farmington, with Kalcich scoring on an 11-yard run for the Scorpions’ final touchdown to cut the lead to 44-20.
“We started to not pay attention to the details and things started to happen,” Howell said of the Panthers’ errors. “We got penalties that extended their drive or they got big plays. Farmington’s not going to stop, and their kids are going to play hard, so you’ve got to keep playing. If you let up, they’ll exploit you for sure.”
The Panthers added two more touchdowns in the second half. Marquez faked a handoff and raced 46 yards for a touchdown, then senior Ethan Costa scored on the final drive of the fourth quarter to seal the 56-20 win.
Piedra Vista will look to maintain its momentum in its home opener against Durango at 7 p.m. Friday. Meanwhile, Farmington faces another test at defending Class 4A state champion Bloomfield.