The Baker Wildcat football team has once again come out victorious from a nail-biting contest. This time the 'Cats defeated Central Methodist University 13-7 to become 5-3 on the year and 5-2 in the conference. Season at a glance.<a href="/football">Season at a glance.</a> Season at a glance.

The game featured many penalties and dropped passes and the statistics were not overly impressive.

Head coach Mike Grossner said stats are not important if the team wins, but the dropped passes and penalties must be acknowledged.

“I could care less stat-wise as long as we get the win,” he said. “I’m not pleased with penalties and dropped passes.”

Two field goals from kicker Derek Doerfler and a touchdown pass from quarterback Mack Brown to running back Beau Smith were the only points Baker could get on the board. The Wildcats also had two missed field goals and two touchdowns called back because of penalties.

“We left 20 points on the field,” Grossner said. “We’ve got to eliminate mistakes.”

The defense once again stepped up big to allow Baker to come out victorious. The ‘Cats’ defense has only given up 34 points during the last three games.

“We just come out to practice every day with the mentality that we have to keep working hard and flying around to the ball,” defensive tackle Ryans Burns said. “Even when things are going negatively, we keep things positive.”

Defensive back Ron Atkinson said the defense is having success because of the time players have spent together and the development that has taken place.

“I think the team has had time to grow and build chemistry,” he said.

Grossner said the defense’s improvement has come from teamwork and an increase in confidence.

“I think they play great as a unit,” he said. “Our secondary is much improved. We have a lot of confidence upfront.”

Since the team is still in the playoff hunt with only three games left, it continues to be driven by the goal of playing in the postseason.

“I think everybody has a little bit of a spark under them,” Burns said. “We play every game like it’s the most important of the year.”

Atkinson said the team is finally able to achieve difficult wins and that has been the difference.

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve always had trouble getting the tough, ugly wins,” he said. “Now we’re realizing we can make the playoffs and make a championship run.”

Although the offense has not been able to put large amounts of points on the board this year, the team is not discouraged or dividing.

“There’s no offense or defense; it’s all called a team.” Atkinson said. “At the end of the day, it’s a team.”

The Wildcats will travel to Marshall, Mo., Saturday to take on the Missouri Valley College Vikings.

“We match up well against them,” Grossner said.