Prep football: Farmer's return sparks Herriman past Westlake

Herriman • Brandon Farmer's impact on Herriman's offense cannot be understated. Farmer and his Mustang teammates wanted to make a statement Friday against Westlake after he missed last week due to injury.

Mission accomplished.

Farmer had 164 total yards and three touchdowns by halftime, and the Mustangs scored 41 straight points to break an early tie in a 48-14 win over the visiting Thunder. Herriman outgained Westlake by almost 400 yards.

"I hate not playing," said Farmer, who took his first carry 61 yards. "We just wanted to make a statement that Herriman is here. It's awesome; it's the best thing. We've been looking for a game like this for the past few weeks."

The Mustangs (2-0 region, 3-3 overall) had their struggles in preseason, with losses to perennial powers Highland, Bingham and Jordan. But Herriman looked battle tested against Westlake, racking up points on the scoreboard while forcing seven straight punts over three quarters.

"We put together that preseason for a reason," Herriman coach Dustin Pearce said. "We think our region is good. We had our best week of practice. Anybody would be a little frustrated when you control the clock and your offense turns into your best defense. It was nice to finally get healthy again."

Farmer, who played only a few snaps in the second half, wished he could have done more to help the team, but he instead got needed rest.

"Coach told me I was done," he said. "I told him no, but his say is final."

The Mustangs took the lead for good on Farmer's 1-yard burst up the middle to make it 14-7 in the first quarter. While Herriman kept plugging away, Westlake (0-3, 3-3) went into a deep lull. The Thunder gained only 100 yards after the first quarter and couldn't establish another drive until the fourth.

Having Farmer back and the defense playing well was a potent combination for the Mustangs, who outgained the Thunder 540-190.

"It speaks for itself," Pearce said about Farmer's return. "He's a very skilled kid. He's a likeable, hard-nosed kid. We're glad he's healthy again."

Three Herriman touchdowns covered 60 yards or longer in part because Westlake often had breakdowns in coverage and tackling. The Mustangs now have outscored the Thunder 103-21 in their last two region meetings.

Farmer finished with 88 yards rushing and 79 receiving, while Braydon Kener completed 5 of 6 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Kener added 38 yards rushing and another score, and Kyle Strauss threw for 97 yards and a score.

Gavin Williams completed 12 passes for the Thunder, but he averaged just 7 yards per completion. He missed his last six attempts.

Herriman travels to American Fork next week, while Westlake has a bye. —