Wildcats clobber Culver in home opener
The Baker football team was not content with just receiving new black jerseys and a mascot Saturday so they added a win against Culver-Stockton College to the day as well. View photos from the game.
"We just basically stuck to our game plan and executed well," running back Richie Bryant said.
The Wildcats gained over 450 yards on offense during the game and gained control early on. Baker scored 13 points in the first quarter and 17 in the second to earn a commanding 30-0 lead at half.
"We hit our goal of thirty points in the first half," Bryant said.
The scoring in the first half included a field goal of 57 yards by senior Derek Doerfler, which is the longest in school history. Culver-Stockton showed some resiliency in the second half, scoring 14 points in the third quarter to get back in the game, but the 'Cats added 10 points in the fourth quarter from a 20-yard run from freshman Blaine Crow and another Doerfler field goal to make the final score 40-14. (story continued below)
Watch KNBU-TV's interview of head coach Mike Grossner, part of Wildcat Chat.
Sophomore Alphaeus Williams said the win was a meaningful one.
"It means a lot," Williams said. "Every day we're getting better as a team."
Bryant said the victory was good for the team.
"It's a huge win," Bryant said. "It's our first conference game. They beat us last year in overtime so we felt like we owed them one."
Senior Frank Owens, Bryant and Crow combined for 193 rushing yards during the game.
Quarterback Mack Brown completed 22 of 33 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams said the defense played well because of the team bonding that has occurred early on during the season.
"We have that communication," Williams said. "We are like a family."
The defense recovered a fumble and intercepted two passes during the contest.
Next up for the Wildcats will be a trip Saturday to St. Charles, Mo., to play Lindenwood University. Bryant said the game against 12th ranked Lindenwood is going to be a big match up.
"I think they are going to be physical," Bryant said. "I think this game will get us some respect."
The arrival of the new jerseys and mascot made the game even more memorable. Junior Rashad Bolden said he generally likes the new additions to the university.
"This year's jerseys are a lot better than last year's," Bolden said. "The all-out black uniforms are real nice."