JAY— Friday night’s football game between Baker and Jay was only a Kickoff Classic. And the game really didn’t mean anything. But don’t tell that to Gator middle linebacker Montae Barto.
Baker led 13-6 with less than a minute left in the game with the Royals knocking on the door facing a third-and-1 at the Baker 3-yard line. A few players earlier it looked as if the Gators had the game in hand, But that was Jay returned a Baker fumble to the Gator 25.
The Royals moved the ball to the Baker 12 for a first down. After netting nine yards on two plays Jay needed just one yard for the first down and three yards for the touchdown.
Jay tailback Braden Cross, a 6-foot, 170-pound senior had been the Royals’ go-to back all night. It seemed only logical that Jay would give the ball to their money guy in the crucial situation.
As expected Cross got the ball. Fortunately for the Gators the 220-pound Barto was one of those expecting Cross to get the ball. Barto charged across the line unblocked on a run blitz and delivered a vicious tackle that Cross isn’t likely to forget any time soon.
Barto’s hit rang out across the stadium as he dropped Cross for a four-yard loss. On fourth down Jay threw an incomplete pass and the Gators celebrated the preseason win.
Barto credited the big play to preparation.
“I watch a lot of film and every time they need a big play they go to him (Cross),” he said. “I depended on my instincts really. I knew it was coming and I read the play.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Barto's hit a classic