The Farmington Cardinal Senior High Football team made history in the 2023 season, finishing with a remarkable 12-2 record, earning the title of 5A State Runner-Ups, and advancing to the state finals for the first time in over 50 years—their first appearance since 1973. Alongside their run to the championship, the Cardinals achieved an undefeated 5A West Conference record, securing their second consecutive 5A West Conference Championship and cementing their legacy as one of the top teams in Arkansas.
The team’s success was guided by Head Coach Tom Tice, a coaching legend who added to his storied career with several remarkable accomplishments this season. Already a member of six different halls of fame, Coach Tice was named:
5A West Coach of the Year
5A Farm Bureau/Hooten's State Coach of the Year
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Coach of the Year
Hawgs Illustrated Coach of the Year
AHSCA West Head All-Star Coach
Additionally, Coach Tice reached a career milestone during the playoff victory over Camden Fairview, notching his 300th career win, cementing him as the second-winningest high school football coach in Arkansas history. His leadership has been instrumental in the Cardinals’ sustained success, and his selection as the AHSCA West All-Star Head Coach further highlighted his impact on Arkansas football.
The coaching staff’s excellence extended to Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mark Whatley, who was recognized as an AHSCA West All-Star Assistant Coach and a Broyles Award Finalist, an honor bestowed upon the top assistant coaches in the state.
The Cardinals’ success on the field was powered by standout individual performances from an extraordinary group of athletes:
5-A All-State and All-Conference Players: Dawson Keaton, Brycin Beaver, Brayden Conran, Ayden Lester, Brandon Clark, Luke Elsik, Jacquel Brown, Hayden Bentley, Russell Hodge, Morgan Schader, and Taylor Conran.
5-A West All-Conference Players: D.K. Turner, Jaxen Seward, Jadon Davidson, Ean Shadden, Akin Johnson, Roman Nye, Peyton Bailey, Trevor Harvey, and Ryan Berger.
AHSCA All-Star Selections: Morgan Schader and Taylor Conran.
Among these exceptional athletes, junior quarterback Ayden Lester was named the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Offensive Player of the Year, Hawgs Illustrated Player of the Year, and senior defensive lineman Taylor Conran was named the Brandon Burlsworth State Championship Player of the Game and Hooten’s Scholar-Athlete of the Week. Seniors Dustin Haffelder and Austin Chouinard were recognized as Burlsworth Character Award winners. Senior Hayden Bentley received the Burlsworth Player of the Game Award for his spirit and sportsmanship displayed against Harrison, Burlsworth’s home school.
“This season was more than wins and accolades; it was about our team's heart, determination, and character,” said Coach Tice. “I’m proud of each and every player and coach who contributed to this historic run, and I’m grateful for the incredible support from the Farmington community.”
The Farmington Cardinals’ incredible achievements this season, from individual accolades to team milestones, have written a new chapter in the program’s history and inspired the entire community. The Cardinals have set a high standard for excellence, and their legacy will continue to shape Farmington football for years to come.