Baker gridders excited about defending GOL title

Baker head football coach Dave Johnson sums up his preseason prognostication this way:

“We have high expectations, and we haven’t changed those expectations” since last week’s commencement of two-a-day practices, he said. “We feel good about where we’re at, both in terms of installation and personnel. We have a lot of guys who (reported) ready to go.

Johnson and his staff welcomed 57 players out for fall practices, slightly lower than the usual number.

“That’s a little less than we usually have, but we have a nice balance of size, speed and athleticism.”

Johnson enters this season as the second-winningest BHS football coach with a seven-year record of 45-33. Mike Sullivan, BHS athletic director, is the winningest coach in school history with a 71-54 record in 13 years.

Johnson acknowledges that the Bulldogs have several players to replace, thanks to the graduation of a dozen starters from last year’s Greater Oregon League champion. Baker finished last year 7-3, 3-0 in the GOL, and lost 26-21 to Banks in the Class 4A state second round of the playoffs.

“We have some guys to replace, but with the way the kids have worked in the weight room we are strong,” Johnson said.

“The kids have been committed, and that’s always been our expectation.”

Johnson said that committment showed during the Eastern Oregon University summer camp in July.

“We had a great camp. We were very pleased with the performance and mental toughness of the group in general,” Johnson said.

“Our great work in the weight room was obvious. We were especially proud of the way in which our players behaved, hard-nosed football with tremendous class. The community was represented well.

“The performances of Kevin Fraser, Weston Anderson, Alex Bardizian, Chris Brown and Joe Black earned the respect of the entire camp, including the EOU coaching staff,” Johnson said.

Those players, along with Bryce Brose, anchor the experienced Bulldog line.

Returning players Trace Richardson, Dekker Smith, Colton Flynn and Luke Austin lead the receiving corps.

Junior quarterback Jesse Brown steps in for the graduated Jordan Harlow.

“Jesse is working hard, and has gotten stronger,” Johnson said.

Stephen Talbot will get the bulk of the work in the Baker running game after splitting time with the graduated Chad Adams a year ago.

“Stephen is considerably stronger, and has gained about 15 pounds,” Johnson said. “What he brings to the table is a strong work ethic.”

The Baker coach said there is a good battle going for playing time at linebacker.

On the line, Fraser, Anderson, Black and Brown will rotate in in various combinations.

Bardizian, Trenton Howard and Mark Swiger are in the picture at defensive end.

A half dozen players are vying for playing time in the secondary.

“It’s been a delight so far. The kids are working hard,” Johnson said.

Baker opens is season tonight at Weiser, Idaho. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PDT. The game will be broadcast on KCMB 104.7-FM.