Sept. 17 | Wildcats outlast No. 23 Jewell
Baker’s football team posted a 27-24 overtime victory over No. 23-ranked William Jewell on Saturday in Liberty, Mo., to improve to 2-1 overall and 2-1 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
The Wildcats led by 10 points with five minutes remaining before Jewell kicked a field goal at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. In the extra period, Baker stopped Jewell and kicked a field goal to win the game 27-24.
“We had to win," Baker head coach Mike Grossner said. "It could make or break our program this year."
Jewell had the first possession in overtime but would commit its fifth turnover of the day when sophomore Eric Allen intercepted a pass from Jewell quarterback Benny Palmer, setting up a game winning 35-yd field goal for Ryan Smith.
The victory is Baker's first over Jewell since 2000. Baker now holds an all-time record of 41-35-4 against the Cardinals.
At the end of regulation, the Cardinals converted on a long fourth down situation to set up Palmer's eight-yard quarterback keeper.
Despite eight total yards in the first quarter, Baker built a 10-0 lead with a field goal and blocking a punt for a touchdown. Jewell committed its first of five turnovers leading to a 35-yd field goal by Smith.
Jewell running back Leon Wiggins would score with under a minute left, off a turnover, in the second half to make the score 17-14.
Junior D.J. Carter blocked a field-goal attempt in the fourth quarter, which was returned 28 yards by Allen to put Baker ahead by 10 with time running out for the Cardinals.
Baker’s only touchdown drive covered 46 yards on 12 plays, most on the ground. Freshman quarterback Mack Brown capped it off with a short play action pass to sophomore receiver James Hensley. Unofficially Brown finished with 115 yards passing.
Baker finished with 190 yards total offense, scoring twice on special teams and kicking two field goals.
Defensively, Baker’s Micah Mason and Andrew Patch were involved in many plays. Allen also contributed to the win. Patch finished the game with four sacks, 11 tackles, five for losses and forced a fumble to earn HAAC defensive player of the week honors.
With the win Baker improves to 2-1 on the season. The Wildcats will face Evangel at 6 p.m. Saturday at Liston Stadium. Baker will be going for the 500th win in the program's storied history.
Official stats will be available as soon as possible.
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