Here’s the perfect example of just how well the Baker Wildcats played in their 52-14 victory over Central Methodist University: Mack Brown shredded the Eagles’ secondary, completing 25 of 37 passes for 433 yards and four touchdowns.
He led an offense that accounted for seven touchdowns and inked his name into the Baker football record book. Twice.
And still a few players were unsure whom head coach Mike Grossner would award Saturday’s game ball.
“The entire O-line played really well,” Brown said of being given the game ball. “I don’t think I got hit. (Junior) Brad (Fawcett) and (senior)Tyrell (Spain) played their best games of the year. And defensively, there were a lot of guys making a lot of plays.”
While humble, Brown’s sentiment is also truthful, as Fawcett and Spain turned in games in which they produced 178 and 155 receiving yards, respectively. Their efforts, along with four other ‘Cats receivers, allowed for Brown to break a 30-year-old record for passing yards in a single game and all-purpose yardage.
Spain found the end zone twice in the first half, both by way of long pass plays for 20 and 87 yards. Fawcett tacked on a touchdown of his own in the third quarter, taking a short pass 64 yards to the house.
Brown attributes much of the offense’s success this year to its effective balance of run and pass. Senior Richie Bryant continued his record-breaking pace, rushing for 120 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns. His most electrifying touchdown came with 8:47 left in the third quarter as he galloped 53 yards to the house, pushing the lead to an insurmountable 40-7.
Bryant also caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Brown in the final quarter.
“Richie opens up a lot of things for us,” Grossner said. “He’s on pace to break a lot of school records if he keeps finding the end zone.”
The defense also proved why it’s ranked second in total defense in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, holding Central Methodist to 50 yards on the ground and intercepting two Brock Brockmeier passes. The defense is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation with a plus-19 turnover margin.
Safety Colton Miller totaled five tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a blocked field goal. Junior Alphaeus Williams played ball hawk and led the team with 13 total tackles and two sacks.
The Wildcats next test will put No. 7-ranked Missouri Valley College on upset alert Saturday at Liston Stadium.
“(Missouri Valley) is a good football team,” Grossner said. “(They’re) leading the league in defense. Offensively, they do what they do well – power run game and play action off it.”
