After a 24-14 loss to Ottawa University to begin the 2010 season, the Baker University football team has revenge on its mind going into the season opener against the Braves Saturday.
“Our loss to them from last year is definitely still fresh on our minds,” senior Adam Steele said. “I’m going into this game with a big chip on my shoulder, and I think everyone is. Our whole defense is and our whole offense is because we’re still kind of sore from that loss.”
Steele and his teammates reported for practice Aug. 13 and have been through numerous two-a-day practices, meetings, ‘fun runs’ and weight lifting workouts.
“Guys, for the most part, came in in great shape,” head coach Mike Grossner said. “We only had to run about a quarter of the team a little extra, which is good out of 110 guys. So, that has allowed us to practice harder and at a faster pace.”
The Wildcats’ offense has been focusing on more than just preparing for the Braves in the past two weeks and during the offseason.
“It dates back to the spring,” sophomore Jake Morse said. “We installed a new offense in the spring, and we’ve been working on that.”
Although the Baker offense lost three starting offensive lineman from last year’s team, most of the starters at skill positions, including Morse at quarterback, will be back for the Wildcats.
The defensive unit will face the task of stopping Ottawa wide receiver Clarence Anderson, who caught 11 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown and also returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in last year’s matchup.
“All of us know Clarence and what he is capable of,” Steele said. “We’ll have some tricks up our sleeve for him and be able to keep him locked down. I think that is one of the keys to if we really want to dominate this game, is that we have to keep him under wraps.”
Grossner believes his team will be physically and mentally ready for the season opener, but he has stressed to his players they will need to cut down the number of penalties and turnovers from last year’s game against OU.
“We have to play a better, solid game from the standpoint of mistakes,” Grossner said. “I feel athletically we matched up well and had some opportunities for some big plays, but just didn’t execute. A big part of it was 16 penalties … then we turned the ball over, I believe, four times.”
The No. 23 Wildcats and No. 10 Braves are set to kick off the Victory Sports Network First Down Classic at 7 p.m. Saturday at Liston Stadium.