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Wildcats rout Tigers in season opener

The Baker County Wildcats controlled every aspect of their game Thursday night, with a dominating shutout of the visiting Union County Tigers, in their first game of the 2008 regular season. From the opening possession when the Baker Boys drove 80 yards for the first touchdown of the game, the Wildcats let loose a fierce power running offense that the Tigers

Greg Williams #24 shakes off the defender for the touchdown.

were unable to stop.

The Cats weren’t the least bit affected by a shake up in their game week routine caused by school officials moving the game up a day in anticipation of inclement weather from Hurricane Hanna.

Wildcat Head Coach Bobby Johns utilized his team of 31 players to maximum advantage. Led by backup quarterback Kendrick Sampson, the Cats offense relied on their cadre of powerful running backs to achieve the 44 point shutout. The group including Greg Williams, Hank Farmer, Ruben Jackson and Harold Moore amassed over 200 rushing yards.

Williams led the way breaking free from would be tacklers to score two rushing touchdowns,

This fumble led to a Wildcat touchdown.

while Farmer added another when he put his shoulder down and plowed through the Tigers defensive line.

At quarterback ,Sampson did more than just handoff the ball. He showed he had the throwing arm to get the job done when he connected with Moore on a 30 yard touchdown pass play.

Union County had their moments with a group of athletically talented sophomores that will be a force to be reckoned with, as they gain experience in the future under the leadership of Union County Head Coach Andrew Zow. Among those outstanding Tigers were quarterbacks Chris Alexander and Alvin Jernigan, along with running backs Justin Tyson, Brian Holmes and Devon Perry.

Those talented athletes got a harsh introduction to the bruising smash mouth style of varsity football, courtesy of Baker’s defensive unit. The Cats harassed the Lake Butler offensive unit all night long. Under the heavy pressure and smothering coverage, the Tigers fumbled and committed costly turnovers several times.

Two of those turnovers resulted in defensive Wildcat touchdowns, when Jarvis Simmons and Chris Robinson intercepted errant passes and ran them into the end zone.

Among Baker’s defensive leaders were BJ Rowe, Cody Wheeler, Hank Farmer, Ethan Munson, Dekembey Hogan, Harold Moore, Greg Williams and Chris Robinson.

The Cats special teams units also added to their teams big night. They scored with a safety after punter Brendan Donovan booted the ball 57 yards over the Tigers receivers heads into the end zone.

Donovan was a delightful surprise to the crowd of Wildcat fans, who have suffered through years of an erratic kicking game. He nailed all four of his extra point kicks and even had the fortitude to pick up a bad snap and connect with Farmer in the end zone on another two point conversion. His long punts were back breakers for the Tigers on the few drives when the Cats didn’t reach the end zone.

Baker will try to make it two wins in a row when they host the Bradford Tornadoes next week in another big rivalry game at Memorial Stadium in Macclenny. Union County will be looking for redemption when they host Hamilton County in their first home game at their Jungle Stadium in Lake Butler.

All photos by www.judjohnsonphoto.com