Baker County’s offense entered the playoffs on a tear, but with the defense the Wildcats flashed Friday night, high-point games won’t always be a necessity.
Baker County’s defense outscored its offense and Yulee’s offense as well in the News4JAX Game of the Week. Seth Chestnut’s 60-yard pick-six in the second quarter and a fourth-quarter safety by Jeremiah Mitchell provided enough points as the Wildcats defeated the Hornets 16-6 in the opening round of the Region 2-2S playoffs at Memorial Stadium.
Coach Kevin Mays knows his team needs to play a cleaner game to have hopes of advancing to the region finals. The Wildcats had 13 penalties for 115 yards, one of which brought back a touchdown run, as well as two fumbles lost, a blocked field goal and a snap on a field-goal attempt that sailed over the holder’s head.
He was not the only one who saw mistakes hurt his team. Hornets coach Kyle Dougherty listed his team’s many self-inflicted errors. On the Wildcats’ opening three-play scoring drive, Dougherty said there was a botched assignment on each of the three plays, as Baker County picked up 28, 11 and 41 yards — the last coming on quarterback Blake Mays’ keeper down the left sideline for a score.
Yulee had two drives end on fourth down, the first on the Wildcats 15 when Chestnut tripped Rylan Hale after one yard and the last on the Hornets’ final drive when Mitchell swatted down a pass. A possession that started on Baker County’s 26 following a fumble turned into a three-and-out following a holding penalty, and two minutes into the final quarter, Mitchell barreled in to sack Turner for a safety and a 16-0 lead.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
For Wildcats' Friday night opponent, 'Legacy Series' brings no guaranteesThe series between Arizona and Southern brings exposure for the SWAC school and understanding between conferences, if little financial benefit.
Read more »
Villanova still figuring out its early-season rotation ahead of Big 5 clash with TempleAhead of a Big 5 clash with Temple, Villanova is still figuring out its early-season. Temple hasn't beaten the Wildcats since 2012.
Read more »
Photos: Arizona Wildcats roll over Northern Arizona, 113-56 in regular season opener, women's basketballThe ranked Wildcats out gunned in-state rival Northern Arizona 112-56 at McKale Center, November 10, 2022, Tucson, Ariz.
Read more »
Wildcats hope to have Jacob Cowing back for Saturday's game vs. UCLANews and notes as Arizona prepares for Saturday's showdown against the Bruins.
Read more »
What to watch for when the Arizona Wildcats visit No. 12 UCLAThree things to keep an eye on when the Wildcats face the Bruins at the Rose Bowl (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. Tucson time, Fox/11).
Read more »
Burgeoning Bruins have laid the template for Wildcats’ build under Jedd FischJedd Fisch is hopeful that Arizona can emulate the trajectory of this week’s opponent, UCLA, which has risen steadily under Chip Kelly.
Read more »