BAKER — Baker School's football team travels to Northview on Friday in a game that will determine the District 1-1A champions.
Defeating the Chiefs would give the Gators their third straight district championship. It also would assure them of hosting at least the playoffs' first two rounds if they continue to win.
Two years ago, Baker clinched its first district title since 2001 at Northview.
The Chiefs have struggled this year, entering the game with a 2-6 record. But one of those wins was a 7-0 victory over Jay, setting up the district showdown.
Northview last week lost to Walton, 49-7. The Chiefs have scored 99 points while allowing 261.
Baker (6-2, 1-0), coming off an open date, is riding a four-game winning streak. The Gators have scored 303 points while giving up 212.
Still, Coach Matt Brunson takes nothing for granted.
“Northview is probably the most athletic two-win team there is,” he said. “Their two wins (are) predicated on how tough their schedule (is) and how tough the teams they’ve played are. They opened the season at Crestview and battled for a half in that game.
“They’ve played some larger schools. Coach (Sid) Wheatley and his staff do a good job.”
The Chiefs have the same incentive as the Gators, Brunson said. “They understand that winning the district means home field advantage in the playoffs, and that’s their goal,” he said. “We are both 1-0 in the district, and that’s the only win-loss column that matters.
“We are looking for a hard-fought game. They are tough at home. We have to go to their place, and it should be a great game.”
Brunson expects the Chiefs to throw the ball a lot and try to beat the Gators with the pass. If Baker’s defense can force Northview into third down and long-yardage situations for a first down, the Gators get the advantage.
“I think the game will be determined by how well we stop them on first and second down so we can get them in third and long, and bring pressure (on the quarterback),” Brunson said. “We should be fine then. If they get hot throwing and catching the football, anything can happen.”
Brunson believes Baker’s recent success against Northview will give the Gators a boost Friday night. “Some of these guys have played over there as varsity players and won,” he said. “That’s our goal Friday night.
“Our guys will be confident going over there. I’ve said this several times, but our team hasn’t reached its full potential yet. I think we are peaking at the right time.”
WHAT: High school football — Baker at Northview
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Northview High School, Bratt
DIRECTIONS: At traffic light in Baker turn left onto Highway 4 west. Stay on Highway 4 until it dead ends into U.S. Highway 29, approximately 40 miles. Take a left onto U.S. 29 South. Stay on 29 about a mile or mile and a half. Make sure you are in the right lane. You will see a sign that tells you to turn right to go to Northview High School. You will turn back onto Highway 4 and go another nine or 10 miles. The school will be on the right. The stadium is in the back of the school.
UPCOMING
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Stopping Northview on first and second down crucial for Baker