No. 16 Baker Drops Season Opener at Peru State, 31–17

PERU, Neb. – The 2025 season opener for No. 16 Baker football ended in frustrating fashion on Saturday night, as the Wildcats dropped a 31–17 decision to Peru State at the Oak Bowl.

Despite holding a 377–280 advantage in total offense and tying the game on two separate occasions, BU was undone by four turnovers, including a decisive pick-six in the final minutes.

Baker looked to be right on track out of the gate after quarterback Truman Juelsgaard connected with Adrion Seals on a 31-yard touchdown strike on the opening drive of the game to make it a quick 7-0 lead for BU.

Peru State answered and eventually moved in front, but the Wildcats clawed back before the half. Seth Simpson drilled a 28-yard field goal in the closing minutes of the second quarter to bring the game level at 10–10 going into the locker room.

The back-and-forth continued after the break. After Peru State reclaimed the lead, the Wildcats answered quickly as Seals hauled in a 65-yard catch-and-run that set up Gabe Martin's 1-yard plunge to knot the score at 17–17 with six minutes remaining in the third.

The Bobcats struck again on their next possession, taking a 24–17 lead into the fourth quarter, before sealing the outcome with a late defensive score.

Statistically, Baker controlled much of the game. The Wildcats racked up 190 rushing yards compared to just 90 for Peru State, while both teams finished nearly identical through the air (BU 187, PSC 190).

Juelsgaard threw for 187 yards and added 55 on the ground, while Martin rushed seven times for 58 yards. Junior transfer Gavin Fellingham chipped in 50 rushing yards in his Baker debut.

Seals shined in the passing game, posting a game-high six receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. Outside of Seals, Juelsgaard completed one pass each to three other receivers.

Defensively, Baker limited Peru State's offensive production but couldn't overcome mistakes. The Bobcats forced three first-half interceptions and capitalized on turnovers throughout the night, including the game-clinching pick-six on BU's final drive.

The setback marks Baker's first season-opening loss since 2010. The Wildcats will look to regroup next week as they host their home opener with William Penn on Saturday, Sept. 13. Kickoff from Don Parker Field and Liston Stadium is set for 11 a.m. in Baldwin City.

#BakerBuildsChampions