Bulldogs smash Sharks 48-7
The Ida Baker Bulldogs cleared up any misconceptions there may have been that they’re a one-dimensional team, relying solely on their rugged defense.
The offense came out aggressive in their District 4A-12 opener against visiting Gulf Coast, converted two key fourth downs in the opening quarter which led to touchdowns, and never let up in a 48-7 win Friday night.
Junior quarterback Sean Francis threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, senior Joseph Byrd rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns, and seniors Andrew Haynes and Jacob York each found the end zone twice.
“Our offense has been playing great the whole year,” Baker coach Brian Conn said. “We maybe had two quarters of a game where we didn’t play up to what we’re capable of. The offense and special teams have played well, it’s just our defense has been playing great.”
All three of those phases were rock-solid against the Sharks (3-3, 0-1), helping the Bulldogs (6-0, 1-0) get off to a roaring start in district play.
“The first five games didn’t really matter. What matters is district,” Francis said, “so it’s good to get a big district win like this.”
The Bulldogs nearly posted their fourth shutout of the season, but Gulf Coast’s Kyle Huff scored on a 53-yard touchdown pass with 34 seconds left in the fourth against the Bulldogs’ second-string defense.
The Bulldogs forced five turnovers. Haynes and Darryl Gary intercepted passes. Felix Solano had three of the teams’ eight sacks, and senior linebacker Johnny Garcia forced two fumbles.
“We prepared hard all week,” Garcia said. “We knew they were a tough team and disciplined, so we just had to come out and do what we do.”
The Bulldogs set the tone with a 12-play, 80-yard drive to begin the game. The key play was on fourth-and-eight at the Sharks’ 36, when Francis connected with Haynes down the middle for a 15-yard gain.
Later in the opening quarter, after Garcia forced a fumble, the Bulldogs were left with a fourth-and-three at the Sharks’ 12, but Byrd broke two tackles on his way to the end zone, making it 14-0.
In the second quarter, the Bulldogs began to prove their dominance on both sides of the ball.
Francis scored on a one-yard sneak, and in the final minute of the first half, Byrd rushed 38 yards for a touchdown out of the statue of liberty play. He received a crushing block along the sideline from senior Justen Urraro.
Gulf Coast threatened once after a 52-yard run by Shawn Normil but the Bulldogs turned the Sharks back on four plays inside the 10.
They held the Sharks to 114 rushing yards on 38 attempts.
The Bulldogs play an intriguing nondistrict contest next Friday at South Fort Myers (6-0).
Gulf Coast 0 0 0 7 – 7
Ida Baker 14 13 14 7 – 48
First quarter
B – Andrew Haynes 1 run (Cody Kluesner kick)
B – Joseph Byrd 12 run (Kluesner kick)
Second quarter
B – Sean Francis 1 run (kick failed)
B – Byrd 38 run (Kluesner kick)
Third quarter
B – Haynes 48 pass from Francis (Kluesner kick)
B – Jacob York 30 pass from Francis (Kluesner kick)
Fourth quarter
B – York 1 run (Kluesner kick)
GC – Kyle Huff 53 pass from Austin Masse (Conor Goulding kick)