Festus football fierce in district semi win over DeSoto on KJFF

The Festus Tigers would not be denied a chance to host a championship game as they cruised to a 35-7 win over the DeSoto Dragons in the Class 4 District 1 semifinals Friday on KJFF.

After going 3-and-out on their opening series, the Tiger offense hit a big 4th-down play courtesy of junior quarterback Cole Rickermann.

The long completion to Daylen Wagoner led to points one play later.

Leading 7-0, the Festus defense got opportunistic.

The Tigers made DeSoto pay for the 3 plays later.

Festus would keep their 14-0 lead all the way through the first quarter, and they would finally add on in the final 2 minutes of the first half.

Trailing 21-0, DeSoto would not back down, recovering a muffed punt at the start of the third quarter and finally getting a big play to get on the board.

Unfortunately, the Dragons would not be able to muster much more offense, as senior Desmond Davis led the way for a vicious Tigers defensive line.

Davis finished with 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks on his way to being Applebee’s of Farmington Player of the Game.

Meanwhile, the Festus offense got right back on the horse once they got the ball in the third quarter.

Already up 3 scores, Festus put the finishing touches on the win with another dose of magic from Rickermann.

Rickermann threw for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Tigers head coach A.J. Ofodile said it could have been a more complete performance, but a win is a win in the playoffs.

DeSoto ends its season with a record 2-7.

Dragons head coach Chris Johnson said his players never stopped working despite adversity.

Now 9-1, Festus will look to claim a district championship when they host the North County Raiders in the Class 4 District 1 title game.

To hear the full game broadcast again, click play below.

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