North thumps Baker 62-14
The Ida Baker Bulldogs entered Friday Night’s game against North Fort Myers on an emotional high. After all, it was senior night and the Bulldogs still had a slim chance at a playoff berth.
That high was crushed early on as the Red Knights took advantage of five turnover touchdown returns to humiliate the Bulldogs 62-14.
It was easily the most impressive showing of the season for the Knights’ defense. The same personnel had allowed at least 33 points in each of their last five games this season.
Asked after the game how important his defenses play was, North coach Earnest Graham responded with some satisfaction towards their performance.
“We took advantage of our opportunities, it’s that simple. If you win the turnover battle in a game, then you’re likely to win the game, and our defense did that for us tonight,” Graham said.
Starring on that defense was none other than FSU commit Zaquandre White. The junior returned both a fumble and interception for a touchdown. The runningback also scored on runs of 36, 65 and 98-yards.
While the Knights (3-5, 1-3 district) had a night to remember, the Bulldogs (3-6, 1-3) had a nightmare of a night. The Bulldogs turned the ball over seven times, resulting in all but two of the Red Knights TD drives.
However, the game looked like it would be competitive early on. Ending the first quarter with only one North TD on the board, the Bulldogs looked set to compete.
That competition ended in one of the game’s biggest moments. White recovered and returned a Bulldogs fumble midway through the second quarter to extend the Knights lead to 14.
On the first play of the next Bulldogs possession, White intercepted quarterback Jordan Diggs and returned it 40 yards to extend the lead to 21. From that point on, the game belonged to the Red Knights.
One of the biggest plays of the night was White breaking through the line and darting 98 yards to score what was the final nail in the Bulldogs coffin.
The momentum from this win surely carries over next week for the Red Knights who host Cape Coral. Baker looks to rebound and close out their season on a high in the Crosstown Showdown at Island Coast.