BAKER — Upon entering the field, Baker players reach up and slap a sign reading "Legends of the Swamp" with a list of past state and district championship teams through 2001.
One of those legendary squads was returned for a 30-year anniversary, showing off something the current roster wants.
After members of the 1984 state championship team were honored, they watched from the sidelines as Baker annihilated another overmatched opponent. This one was Franklin County. This score was 35-7, a mere tuneup to next week's pivotal clash against Northview for the District 1-1A title.
Baker-Franklin County football photos>>>
This was another dominant display of why Baker (8-0) is a benchmark for success among panhandle high school football teams. But there's something about seeing the greats of yesteryear who accomplished what you dream of doing one day.
"It's very big to know the guys in their same shoes 30 years ago had the same vision of winning a state title and got it done," said Baker coach Matt Brunson, a varsity member of the 1984 and 1985 state title teams. "The components are here for a state title run. We'll find out in the coming weeks what kind of team we have."
There are similarities between the Baker team honored and this one. The scorelines often reached similar 35-7 gaps — even in the state title, when the historic team won 48-6 against Belle Glades. Those 1984 Gators were in the midst of a 42-game winning streak lasting to the 1986 season. These current Gators upped their regular season winning streak to 19 — a good start.
There is one difference — the rings on the fingers. The 1984 players get to boast them — and the 1985 ones for next year's three-decade dedication.
This year's players want one for themselves.
"It is motivation," said junior quarterback Jon Beck, who threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more. "We always want to get there."
So, is this 2014 team truly special? Will these Gators be back in 30 years for their own honoring prior to another homecoming rout?
It's best to get the unique perspective of the ones who accomplished it.
"I think they can (win state) if things go right," said John Ensor, the coach of the 1983, 1984 and 1985 title teams. "To win a state title, things have to go right. I think they have as good a chance as anybody in Class A."
Baker finished 13-0 in 1984, which Ensor called the best of the three-peat. This year's team aims for one more win in its season-ending record. The Gators of 30 years prior ran the ball more than this year's team did Friday, when Beck finished 13-of-24 for 144 yards. The old days included louder crowds, 1984 and 1985 state champion Greg Richards said, but boy can this year's Baker defense play. The Gators limited Franklin County's still-winless Seahawks (0-8) to under 100 yards.
"Their defense can win a title," said Richards, a defensive end also on the 1985 team. "Their defense is good enough."
And Beck received rave reviews, too. His first two touchdowns were runs — 10 and 5 yards — and his scoring passes went to Jacob Nixon and David Oglesby, the latter with two. Wide receiver Dillon Nixon caught five passes for 59 yards.
"Man, they can throw the ball well," Ensor said. "That kid can throw it. And their defense is really good, too."
Maybe the most important team to compare this year's squad to isn't the 1984 bunch but the 2013 one, the group that rolled through the regular season but lost in the first round of the Class A state playoffs.
Whether it's maturity or goals, the prevailing thought from past and current players is it's just "different" in 2014.
That spells good things for the Gators, who hope to join the honored 1984 team as one of the "Legends of the Swamp.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gators dominate Franklin County (PHOTOS, VIDEO)