#SDSportsAwards, football: Matt Farniok a rare spotlight figure

Offensive linemen are rarely in the limelight. Matt Farniok, the latest (though not the last) of his name to parlay a dominant high school career into a Division I football scholarship, is an exception to the rule. Farniok’s penchant for pancake blocks powered the engine for Washington’s commanding offensive line last season, culminating in a state championship for the Warriors.

When Washington’s run game faced a stacked O’Gorman box in the state finals, Farniok set the blindside for quarterback Jack Schelhaas. The Warriors hurled over 300 yards through the air in a thrilling 27-24 win. On the season, the Warriors racked up 2,753 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, with nearly 1,800 passing yards. As a result, he was named the Lewis Drug Stores South Dakota Sports Awards football player of the year.

“If you watch the film, he was like that all year-round,” said coach Chad Stadem. “People don’t understand — what he was doing as an offensive lineman, compared to a skilled guy, it’s unheard of. He was pancaking guys every play, and then going downfield and pancaking more guys. The equivalent to that for a skill guy, we’re talking about numerous touchdowns every game.”

MORE: See other winners of the S.D. Sports Awards

At 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, Farniok brought uncommon size and strength to the gridiron, but wasn’t merely a power-reliant player. Technique, athleticism and attitude also set him apart.

“He really enjoys being an offensive lineman, and he’s constantly working on skill and technique,” Stadem said. “He knows that guys at the next level are going to be much faster, much more physical. When he went down to the All-American Bowl, I felt like he really was one of the best linemen there.”

Against South Dakota competition (especially in his junior and senior seasons), Farniok had no equal. Each snap presented another opportunity to unleash cartoon physics upon anyone unfortunate to cross his path.

“I’ve had other coaches say that when they’re looking at film for potential defensive linemen, the first thing they do is look at film on how that kid did against Matt,” Stadem said. “He was the standard. He dominated. You just never saw him get beat.”