Baker County- History was at stake and both teams knew it. Last week, Menendez gained their first ever playoff win, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. This week, with a final score of 37-28 in favor of Baker County, the Wildcats advanced to the third round for the first time in their school’s history. History was at stake and history was made, in a tough, hard nosed playoff contest between two great teams. After the play clock started, it was clearly a matter of who wanted it more between both teams. From the first and second quarters, you could see Baker County wanted it in the worst way. Yet in the second half, Menendez turned the tables and made the Wildcats feel their presence. In the end, Baker County emerged victorious despite a late rally by Menendez.
Final: @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/y9fYpX2mUq
— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
This game showcased both team’s aggressive rushing attacks. You could count on two hands how many times these teams passed the ball Friday night. Darien Oxendine started as the QB for Menendez complimenting the great rushing attack of Kenny Logan and Tye Edwards. He did need to make a couple of plays through the air, but often, if the first read wasn’t there, Oxendine took off with great speed trying to find the nearest hole. Kenny Logan and Tye Edwards highlighted much of the offense for Menendez for the night. Menendez was often able to find the red zone but was not able to score in the first half coming away with field goals.
Seth Paige makes an explosive TD run from their own side of the field! 6:45 1st Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 0
Baker County 7— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
Estin Thiele makes the FG for the Falcons! 3:44 1st Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 3
Baker County 7— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
This is where the game was determined for Menendez. The Falcons had no problems moving the ball in the first half, but just were not able to come through when it mattered instead settling for field goals.
Baker County offense was just as explosive as Menendez seeing huge chunk plays from the likes of Seth Paige and Lee Graham. While Paige was the most complete running back on the field, Graham was the most dynamic athlete on the field. Graham saw snaps on defense that included a pick six. Graham, who also plays quarterback, added two QB keepers for TDs, and the longest pass of the night.
Seth Paige strikes again with another rush TD for the Wildcats! 2:36 2nd Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 6
Baker County 14— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
Pick 6 by Lee Graham puts another score on the board for Baker County! 1:41 2nd Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 6
Baker County 21— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
Noah Gillan wide open for six! TD Falcons! 5:24 3rd Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 20
Baker County 28— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
Tye Edwards goes the distance for 98 yards! TD Falcons! 2 pt conversion good! 0:52 3rd Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 28
Baker County 28— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
Jackson Davis FG is good for the Wildcats! 5:44 4th Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 28
Baker County 31— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
Lee Graham at it again! QB Keeper! TD Wildcats! 1:45 4th Q! @DuvalSports
Menendez 28
Baker County 37— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) November 18, 2017
Talk about having a day at the office. Seth Paige was the rushing workhorse for Baker County offense. His vision, quickness, and effort for more yardage was dazzling for Baker County. He is a focal point of the Baker County offense. The Baker County defense was the stouter of the two units. After Graham’s first pick six of the night, Wesley Belford was close to having his own until a penalty called it back. Menendez had all the momentum going into the fourth quarter, but their defense just could not make the stops when they needed to get the offense back on the field. On the flip side, Baker County stood tall when Menendez was attempting to the pull ahead. Despite a rally from Menendez and a tie ball game in the fourth, the defense for Baker County refused to relinquish the lead.
I want to take time to acknowledge a hidden gem within the Baker County offense that allowed them to complete rushing drives adequately late in the game for Graham and Paige. Offensive lineman Cooper Hodges was spectacular in “people moving” on that offensive front. Whichever side Hodges lines up on, expect them to rush it with success.
Menendez finishes the season 8-4 with their first playoff victory ever. Baker County (11-1) will advance to round 3 to face the Clay Blue Devils (9-3) at Memorial Stadium November24th at 7:00 PM. Be sure to check us out on Facebook or Twitter or visit our website www.duvalsports.com for more information on your favorite local teams.
