Baldwin Coach's Corner

Baldwin Coach's Corner

Week 11 - Rivalry Week

A rivalry is a game when the records of both teams and the stats of both teams can be thrown out the window and it all boils down to who wants it more. Ever since becoming the head coach at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School, everyone has told me of the rivalry between Baldwin and Hilliard. People have told me how these two schools have played one another for as long as anyone can remember. Last Friday, another great chapter was written in that rivalry. This year's game had all anyone could ask for and more.

Hilliard came into the game knowing that they were in the playoffs next week, and we came in knowing that playoffs were out of the question and our post-season plans only included a bowl game against Union County on November 20th. With both teams futures already decided, that meant the game was played for bragging rights.

That was the definitely the case after the first half as the score was still 0 to 0. Both defenses held their opposing offenses in check throughout the first half with neither team being able to score. In the third quarter, we managed to put together a solid drive after our defense gave us the ball in good field position following a Hilliard turnover. The touchdown came as our quarterback, Kentrall Mims, pitched the option to running back Zaybreion Gunter for an 8 yard run. Our kicker, Collin Grigsby, converted the point after attempt to give us a 7 to 0 lead. That lead held up until with a little over one minute to go in the game. That is when Hilliard connected on a twenty yard touchdown pass to make the score 7 to 6. On their point after attempt, a bad snap and hold allowed us to stop the try and preserve the lead and the win.

Not only was this Baldwin-Hilliard week, but it was also Senior Night. So this is one game I hope our kids will never forget, and I told them just that. I told our kids all week to go out and "Make A Memory" and after winning this rivalry game for the second year in a row, I feel they did just that.

Now we have one more chance to make this yet an even more successful season for us as we play the Union County Tigers in the Country Federal Credit Union Bowl this Thursday in Baldwin starting at 7 pm. Hopefully everyone will come out to watch and support us one more time. It will be a great football atmosphere between these two teams and hopefully an exciting game to watch.

Go Indians!!!!