There’s only one way to describe the first play of the game against the Graceland University Yellowjackets Saturday: a gift.
A mere seven seconds into the homecoming game, defensive back Rodney Harris turned GU quarterback Garrett Grundman’s botched bubble screen into a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown. The pick-six gave the Wildcats momentum, the lead and an uproarious ovation from the Liston Stadium crowd. The only thing it lacked, it seems, was wrapping paper and a bow.
And to think, Harris’ birthday isn’t until late November.
“That was a big momentum shift,” Harris said. “I knew they would be looking to get their running back the ball early, and I got a good jump on the pass.”
The play, as it turned out, would simply be an omen of what was to come for the Yellowjackets, as those first seven seconds would mark the closest score line the game would feature all afternoon. In the end, the Wildcats’ faithful saw seniors Shawnee Barron and Ron Atkinson crowned as homecoming royalty and the Baker football team crowned king of the gridiron, 41-3.
Following Graceland’s three and out on its next series, the Baker offense exploded in the first quarter, scoring 14 points off senior Richie Bryant’s two touchdowns. Bryant eclipsed 100 all-purpose yards in the first quarter alone, taking both a 53-yard draw play and a 54-yard screen pass to the end zone.
“We needed to jump on that team,” head coach Mike Grossner said. “When you’re 0-4, you still have a lot of questions about your football team. It was important that we get all over them early. It eally deflates a team when you’re able to score 14 points in two plays.”
The rest of the game went as swimmingly as its first period, as the ‘Cats blew out the Yellowjackets, 17-3. The second quarter was highlighted by a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown. Senior Eric Allen, a 2007 first team All-Conference defensive back, was the thief.
The secondary was not the only one making plays, however, as defensive tackle Philip Weinmaster had two sacks and two tackles for losses. Linebacker Spencer Curran and safety Colton Miller each chipped in for 10 total tackles.
“The line did a good job of penetrating and making the quarterback rush his throws,” Harris said. “The whole unit gave a good effort.”
The offense wasn’t too shabby, either, as quarterback Mack Brown completed 12 of 19 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. His lone interception was his first pick since week three.
Bryant also continued his recent string of success, rushing for 113 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns.
“Richie could have had a huge game,” Grossner said. “He had a big game, but we wanted to get some other backs going because it’s a long season. It was good to get (sophomore) Blaine (Crow) more in the mix.”
The Wildcats are averaging a hash mark above 31 points per game on offense and just 13 points defensively since their week one loss to Tennessee-Martin. The next test for the ‘Cats, 3-2, is against Heart of America Athletic Conference rival William Jewell College, 2-4, Saturday in Liberty, Mo.
“I think when you play in a rivalry game you can’t look at who is supposed to win,” Brown said. “It will be a battle.”
