Baker blanks North 36-0
The Baker Bulldogs utilized a strong defense and versatile offense to shut out the North Fort Myers Red Knights 36-0.
The rain Friday night subsided at Baker before gametime, but the effects of the rainfall were evident throughout the night. With a slippery field, and a slippery ball, several passes were dropped, especially in the first half.
After stopping the Red Knights on the first series of downs, Andrew Haynes blocked their punt, and Sean Francis recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
Again in the second quarter, the Bulldogs took advantage of a short Red Knights punt, and got the ball at the 16. The North defense stiffened and Baker settled for a 37-yard field goal.
The first half was dominated by the defense. North generated 92 yards of total offense, while Baker managed only 52. Both teams drove the ball deep into their opponent’s territory, but came up empty.
North threw Baker for a loss on fourth-and-goal from the 3, and the Bulldogs recovered a Red Knight fumble at the 5. That left the score 9-0 at half.
As the second half started, the Knights stopped the Bulldogs for a loss on the first two downs. On third and long, Joseph Byrd broke through the line, and tightroped his way 74 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown.
North tried to answer, but was stopped. The Bulldogs drove quickly after that with two successive first downs. From the North 32-yard line, Francis faked a pass to the left side which froze the defensive backs. He found Darryl Gary wide open behind the defenders for an easy score.
“It’s called a bubble screen,” said Francis. “We fake the screen, and hope the defender bites. I was going to throw it (to Gary) either way.”
Francis, who turns 17 Saturday, was involved in three of the Bulldogs’ touchdowns. Besides the fumble recovery and TD pass, he also ran for one score in the four quarter.
The Red Knights were without wide receiver Tre’ Boston who scored three touchdowns last week against Island Coast. He did not play for disciplinary reasons.
The Bulldogs dominated the second half. The Knights only could muster 12 yards in the third and fourth quarters, while the Bulldogs gained 256.
“Our defense was put in a tough position all night,” said Red Knights coach Barry Goettemoeller said.
“Our defense was phenomenal,” said Bulldogs coach Brian Conn. “Offensively, we played sloppy in the first half, and then started making adjustments in the second half.”
Baker entertains Island Coast next Thursday night while North hosts Cape Coral.
North FM 0 0 0 0 – 0
Baker 6 3 14 13 – 36
First Quarter
Baker – Sean Francis recovered blocked punt in end zone (kick failed)
Second Quarter
Baker – FG, Cody Kluesner 37
Third Quarter
Baker – Joseph Byrd 74 run (Kluesner kick)
Baker – Darryl Gary 33 pass from Francis (Kluesner kick)
Fourth Quarter
Baker – Francis 4 run (Kluesner kick)
Baker – Jacob York 14 run (kick failed)