Principal describes the importance of Bulldogs’ success

Baker High School Principal Jerry Peacock lamented the fact that due to work commitments he won’t be in attendance Saturday when the Bulldogs play Phoenix in the Class 4A state football semifinals in Hillsboro.

Because of his forced absence, Peacock challenged the Bulldogs during a brief visit before Wednesday’s practice at BHS.

“I can’t be there this week,” he said. “In fact I’ll be out of state. But I want you to help get me to Corvallis in two weeks.”

A Baker win Saturday would lift the Bulldogs into their first-ever state football title game Dec. 12 at Reser Stadium on the Oregon State University campus.

Peacock, principal at BHS the past 18 years, told the Bulldogs he has been around football at the high school level for a long time.

“I had the opportunity to coach against his daddy,” Peacock said, pointing out Baker assistant coach Jason Ramos.

Peacock coached against Ramos’ father, Coke Ramos, in Peacock’s early days at Huntington High School. Coke Ramos coached at Burnt River during that time.

“I learned a lot about the coaching profession back then,” Peacock said. “This is an exciting time of year. It’s exciting because you have no idea what you mean to your community.”

Peacock said 320 student tickets were sold for Baker’s quarterfinal home game with Astoria, and 1,000 adult tickets.

“That’s because they believe in you,” he told the Bulldogs. “That’s a lot of pressure on you guys. But you’re up to dealing with that pressure.”

Peacock cautioned the Bulldogs that after defeating a team like Astoria — the defending 4A champions — it would be easy to have a letdown.

“No one has said anything about Phoenix,” he said. “There’s a big difference in being the hunter and being in the hunted. They have your mindset. You can never let your guard down when you’re the hunted.”

Peacock emphasized that the Bulldogs weren’t only important to him and their classmates, but the community as a whole.

“You mean a LOT to this community,” he said. “You guys did us proud the other day against Astoria. It’s all about class. I’ve seen 18 different football teams come through this high school. You’re No. 18. I’ve never seen a team yet that was successful that didn’t get along with each other. You guys have great chemistry. You guys get along. You help one another.

“I’ve seen some very good football teams here, but I don’t think I’ve seen one as balanced and who gets along as well as this one,” Peacock said.

“You’re creating a lifetime of memories right now,” he said. “You have a great opportunity here.

“You’ve got to practice hard so Phoenix doesn’t come away feeling like we did last week. We have to work hard to feel that way again Saturday.

“I want you to know I’m proud of you. The community is proud of you. It’s unbelievable.”