Gators struggle in rebuilding year
Baker football coach Bob Kellogg expected that 2009 would be a rebuilding year.
It’s doubtful if anyone could imagine how much of a rebuilding year it would be as the Gators went 0-10.
The 2008 Gators had a large senior class with 15 players that had been with Kellogg since he arrived for the 2005 season. With the seniors leading the way, Baker was runner up in District 1-2B last year with a 6-4 regular season record before bowing out in the first round of the playoffs.
Quarterback Cameron Domangue was the 2008 Small School Player of the Year, piling up more than 2,500 yards in offense, and had a strong supporting cast that included standouts Billy Whatmough, Tyler Holley, Kellan Meeks and Josh Rose. Several starters on the offensive and defensive lines also graduated.
The Gators suffered another big setback when Marcus Jones, Domangue’s probable replacement, decided to transfer to Andalusia for his senior season.
This year’s senior class was just the opposite of the last year’s class. There were only four seniors that had been with the program throughout their high school careers.
Dakota Hooper was the most versatile returning offensive threat. Linemen Jacob Lawson, Jett Feltner and Mason Doggett also returned.
The Gators did pick up some senior transfers, most notably Justyn Lewis-Washington, but Kellogg had to look to several juniors to help provide leadership.
Baker, a 1A team, opened the year at 4A Crestview in the first meeting between the teams since 2002.
Nobody was surprised when the Bulldogs won 35-0.
The Gators jumped right into District 1-1A play in week two against Sneads. In what would become a recurring theme throughout the season, Baker lost 15-8. The Gators were in the thick of things until the end of the game.
Week three saw the Gators at home for the first time in 2009 when Vernon came calling. Baker dropped another nail-biter 28-20.
With game four came the start of Baker’s gauntlet with the three schools, South Walton, Northview and Bozeman, that had originally been assigned to Class 2B, but were granted a petition to play with the smaller schools.
The Gators hung tough with the Seahawks before losing 14-12.
A trip to Northview was next and the Chiefs handed the Gators their worst loss since the opener as Baker lost 34-14.
Bozeman turned out to be just as big of a challenge as Northview, with the Bucks beating the Gators 33-14.
The home stretch had the Gators on the road at Holmes County and Freeport before ending the season at home against Jay and Blountstown.
Despite being winless, the Gators were competitive in most of their games. Six games were decided by two touchdowns or less.
Kellogg often praised the Gators for continuing to work hard even as the losses began to mount.
Looking ahead things seem brighter for Baker in 2010 if the more experienced team can cut down on penalties and turnovers.
The Gators should have a strong group of seniors led by Logan Wagner and Christian Mainor.
Vada Moore, who led the team in rushing and all-purpose yards as a sophomore, will be back for his junior year.
Moore amassed more than 1,000 yards in total offense this year.
Linebacker David Beck also should return for his senior year to anchor the Baker defense in 2010.
