BAKER — Each passing week in the playoffs, the stakes get higher as the prize of a state championship gets closer.
Friday night, Baker School's football team won its first playoff game in 13 years, beating Graceville 21-7.
This week, the Gators (10-1) will try to advance past the second round for the first time since 1999 when they travel to Vernon to take on the Yellow Jackets in the Class 1A regional finals.
Vernon beat Northview 36-19 Friday in their regional semifinal game.
The Yellow Jackets are one of the hottest teams in the state, and Gator Coach Matt Brunson knows Baker will have to bring its A game Friday night.
“Vernon lost to Chipley in week one and has reeled off 10 straight (wins),” he said. “Defensively, they are lights out. They are probably as good defensively as anyone we’ve played.
“They are big up front, they are physical and they fly to the ball. They run a 4-3 — a very vanilla scheme — but their guys are dialed in and every yard you gain you earn.”
The Yellow Jackets operate out of a shotgun offense, but they are strictly a run-first team. Vernon only threw the ball twice in the win over South Walton.
“They are a downhill run team,” he said. “They are going to block down and kick out. But they are very athletic.
“If you fill it up (inside the tackle box) they will get on the perimeter and hurt you as well.”
The Yellow Jackets haven’t really been tested since their loss to Chipley. Brunson hopes the ease with which Vernon has been winning will play into Baker’s favor.
“They’ve had a bunch of running clocks,” Brunson said, “which is good for us. We are hopefully going to make them play four quarters.
“If we can take them somewhere they haven’t been — which is into the fourth quarter with the game still on the line — maybe we can do some things to them.”
Brunson is excited to be taking his team to Vernon.
“I think it will be a great high school playoff atmosphere at Vernon,” he said. “That’s where I got my start as a head coach so I’m looking forward to going back over there.
“We have made it to the Elite Eight. If we play as good as we can and don’t turn the ball over, we’ve got a chance against anybody, and that’s all you can ask for.”
GAME ON
WHAT: Football playoffs, Baker at Vernon
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Yellow Jacket Stadium, Dawkins Street, Vernon
COST: $8
EmailNews Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Talented Yellow Jackets to test Gators