Knights and Raiders win opening games

By DONN ADAMSON
Daily Journal Sports Editor

FARMINGTON — The Farmington Knights held their tournament’s opening games on Tuesday with Farmington and Windsor advancing to Thursday’s championship game. The Knights were 3-0 winners over the Hillsboro Hawks, and Windsor defeated Fredericktown 7-1 in the opening round.

The first score for the Knights came off a corner kick with Derek Franklin taking the pass from Connor Eaton, a feat that pleased  Farmington coach Rusty Sancegraw.

“We were trying to do that all last year, but couldn’t seem to make it work,” said Sancegraw. “I’m really proud of our entire team and how they worked today. Our bench gave us fresh legs later in the game and they really played well so we did not lose anything when they came in.”

Farmington’s second goal was on a penalty kick by Fred Hipson after Eaton was fouled in the box on a header attempt. Eaton was also involved in goal three with an assist to Zack Thomas who drilled the back of the net with his shot.

Goalkeeper John Schnurbusch stopped seven shots on goal for he Knights.

Windsor dominated both halves of their game with the Blackcats, holding a 3-1 score at the half. Fredericktown’s lone goal came on a bizarre play. Justin Walls took a shot at goal, but it was blocked by an Owls defender. The ball caromed back, hit Walls in the chest, ricocheting into the net for the score.

The Blackcats had eight shots on goal, while on their end goalie Tyler Hagy made nine saves.

Fredericktown will play Hillsboro on Thursday for third place in the tournament.

North County 1, Winfield 0

FESTUS — The North County Raiders received their first score of the new season midway through the first half and then held on to capture a 1-0 win over Winfield for their first game of the year.

Pedro Matta took a pass from Jake Cavins and promptly kicked it into the goal for the score.  The North County offense was dominant as they had 14 shots on goal to Winfield’s four, and all four were stopped by goalie Cody Huff.