Baker tops Fruitland in OT

Baker ran its season record to 5-0 with a 34-28 overtime victory over the Grizzlies (3-2).

Baker quarterback Jesse Brown threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Ty Everson in overtime to earn the win. On the play Brown pumped the ball once while Everson ran a corner route to the right side of the end zone.

With the score tied at 28-28 at the end of regulation play, Baker won the coin toss and elected to go on defense to start overtime.

The Bulldogs stopped Fruitland on three plays, forcing a field goal attempt. Fruitland kicker Reed Johnson, who had been perfect on conversion kicks all evening,  missed the field goal try wide right.

Baker, starting on the 10, appeared to score the winning touchdown when Stephen Talbot scored. But, the Bulldogs were called for holding on the play. Brown then connected for the game-winner to Everson.

Fruitland took a 7-0 lead after one quarter when Daulton Blackwell scored the first of his three touchdowns.

Baker pulled back to within 7-6 with 8:08 left in the first half on a 2-yard Talbot run. The run for conversion was no good.

Then, five minutes later, Brown found Trace Richardson on a 42-yard touchdown pass. Brown then connected with Everson on the two-point conversion to give Baker a 14-7 edge with 3:09 left in the half.

Fruitland’s Coleson Warrington returned the ensuing kickoff to the Baker 8. Justin Durflinger’s tackle from behind saved a touchdown. But Blackwell scored his second TD one play later to tie the game at 14-14 with 2:47 left in the half.

The game remained tied at 14 at halftime.

Blackwell’s third touchdown run early in the third period gave Fruitland a 21-14 lead.

Again Baker battled quickly back. Brown again pulled the Bulldogs even when he found Talbot on a 32-yard touchdown pass. Dekker Smith added the conversion kick.

Fruitland took its final lead with 7:24 left in regulation when Jordan Martin scored on a short run.

Baker was forced to punt on its next possession, but Joe Black recovered a Fruitland fumble two plays later giving the Bulldogs a first down on the Grizzlies 18.

Talbot carried the ball three straight times, finally scoring from 6 yards out to tie the game at 28-28 with 4:33 left in regulation.

The teams then traded turnovers setting up the overtime.

Baker    0    14    7    7    6     – 34

Fruitland    7    7    7    7    0     – 28

F — Blackwell 8 run (Johnson kick)

B — Talbot 2 run (Run failed)

B — Richardson 42 pss from Brown (Everson pass from Brown)

F — Blackwell 8 run (Johnson kick)

F — Blackwell 21 run (Johnson kick)

B — Talbot 32 pass from Brown (Smith kick)

F — Martin 3 run (Johnson kick)

B — Talbot 6 run (Smith kick)

B — Everson 20 pass from Brown (No PAT attempted)