This season continues to look like a repeat of last season for the Baker University football team.
After beginning the season 0-3, the team has won four of its last five games and will attempt to raise its record over .500 against William Jewell College at 1 p.m. Saturday in Liberty, Mo.
“We are starting to tighten up the little things,” junior Adam Steele said. “We are playing much more sound football than we were at the beginning of the season. We’re playing up to our potential. I think we will continue to improve over the next few weeks against William Jewell, Evangel (University) and Central Methodist (University).”
Although the Wildcats are discouraged about not winning close games against Ottawa University, Missouri Valley College and MidAmerica Nazarene University, the team is hoping to finish this season strong, just like last year.
“We’re looking pretty good,” junior Caleb Johnson said. “We at least have all of the hard teams out of the way. Hopefully we can win our last few games and end up in the top 25 again.”
William Jewell comes into Saturday’s game with a record of 3-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play.
Baker defeated William Jewell 26-6 in last year’s matchup at Liston Stadium. The Cardinals defeated Avila University 41-13 Saturday. BU beat Avila by a similar score of 41-17 on Sept. 18.
The Wildcats ended last season winning seven of their last eight games and have a chance to do the same this year.
Baker’s success last year, as well as the success the team has had this year, has started with the performance of the defense. The ‘Cats have only allowed its opponent to score more than 24 points in a game four times in the past two seasons.
In Saturday’s game against Graceland University, senior Matt Brock led the team with 13 tackles and two sacks and Steele added on 12 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
“They have been doing it all year,” head coach Mike Grossner said. “Adam has had a great back half of the year. He’s figuring out how to play linebacker. I’m proud of him.”
Steele earned the honor of HAAC Defensive Player of the Week for his effort against Graceland, but he was unselfish in accepting the award.
“It’s an honor and it makes me happy, but at the same time, I honestly think you could have given that award to six or seven guys that were on the field Saturday,” Steele said. “Our (cornerbacks) played well, (senior) Matt Brock played outstanding like always, our (defensive line) played well and (senior) Kyle Weinmaster played a hell of a game.”
Baker sits fifth in the HAAC standings, but is only a half game out of fourth place behind Benedictine College, whom BU has already defeated this season.
