The Baker football game Saturday against Culver-Stockton College was essentially a throwback to the sport's roots.<br/>  <br/>The extensive amount of rain made the football field seem like a swamp within a matter of minutes, but in the end, the Baker Wildcats beat the Culver-Stockton Wildcats 28-0.The extensive amount of rain made the football field seem like a swamp within a matter of minutes, but in the end, the Baker Wildcats beat the Culver-Stockton Wildcats 28-0.
 
The extensive amount of rain made the football field seem like a swamp within a matter of minutes, but in the end, the Baker Wildcats beat the Culver-Stockton Wildcats 28-0.

“I thought our guys mentally were very tough and performed at a high level despite those weather conditions,” Grossner said.

The Baker squad dominated the contest, especially the defense, which forced seven turnovers, including four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. 

“Seven turnovers in one game is quite an accomplishment,” defensive tackle Ryan Burns said. “It’s just a good, solid effort by the defense.”

The offense was not slouching by any means, however, as the Wildcats gained 278 yards of total offense despite fumbling quarterback-center exchanges, which could be attributed to the muddy ground and soaked footballs in play.

Wide receiver James Hensley said the offense was forced to make many adjustments in order to move down the field and put points on the board.

“It really took us out of our elements,” senior Hensley said. “A lot of our game deals with speed and having traction on the ground. It was a dog fight, and it came down to who wanted it more.”

Running back Richie Bryant had a solid day on the ground, rushing for 107 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns. Quarterback Mack Brown added 185 passing yards, including a touchdown pass to receiver Brett Woods.

Hensley said running pass routes was different than normal because of the field conditions.

“With the ball and the field the way it was, running routes as a whole was extra difficult,” Hensley said. “We had to revert back to more of our run game.”

Grosser said he had to examine the field and rely on the run game, while looking for particular moments to call for big plays.

"When you're sitting in the box trying to call plays, you've got all these ideas but you've got to get back to basics," Grossner said. "The key to the game was getting a lead."<br/>Burns said the muddy conditions created a sense of nostalgia for the players.Burns said the muddy conditions created a sense of nostalgia for the players.
Burns said the muddy conditions created a sense of nostalgia for the players.

“It was hard because it was like little kids playing in the mud,” Burns said. “It takes you back to your younger days.”

Baker finally gets a home game Saturday, but it comes against the No. 8 nationally ranked Lindenwood University Lions.

“They are a great team,” Hensley said. “They are beatable. We are going to have to play well.”

Grossner said playing a ranked team doesn’t scare the Baker squad.

“Having No. 8 come to your house early in the season is a great challenge that our guys are looking forward to,” he said.

Hensley said the Wildcats will have a home field advantage.

“Our strategy is we play at home, and we don’t lose at home,” Hensley said. “It’s a statement game. They are always a powerhouse team.”