Wildcats Cruise Past Spartans to Set Up Heart South Title Showdown

ST. LOUIS – Fueled by a balanced offense, a swarming defense, and a record-tying kick from Seth Simpson, (RV) Baker blew by Missouri Baptist, 52-16, on the road on Saturday to claim its fifth straight win and keep the Heart South title in play entering next week's showdown with No. 3 Benedictine.

With the victory, BU remains unbeaten in the Heart South at 5-0 and turns its focus to next Saturday's matchup that now brings the Heart South Division race home to Baldwin City for the home finale against No. 3 Benedictine. The two programs have shared the Heart South crown as Tri-Champions with MidAmerica Nazarene in each of the past two seasons.

Baker dominated from start to finish, piling up 518 yards of total offense and holding the Spartans to just 279. The Wildcats struck twice in the opening eight minutes with short rushing scores by Gabe Martin and never looked back. Martin finished with 76 rushing yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns, giving him nine rushing scores on the season to go with 415 yards on the ground.

Truman Juelsgaard turned in another efficient outing under center, completing 19 of 25 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His favorite targets were Eric Avery and Garyson Booth, who both delivered breakout performances.

Avery hauled in four receptions for 85 yards and two long touchdowns, while Booth provided a spark in the second half with an 18-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter and a three-yard rushing score early in the fourth. The sophomore from Holton, Kan., added 69 rushing yards on just eight carries and finished with 98 all-purpose yards to complement Martin's production.

Baker's defense once again controlled the game, forcing two turnovers, recording four sacks, and holding Missouri Baptist to only 131 passing yards. Zane Pudenz's first-quarter interception led to Martin's second score, and Zion Wayne recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter to set up another quick touchdown.

Zac Kramer and Jaden Smith were among the standouts for a unit that produced seven tackles for loss and four sacks and held the Spartans to just 14 first downs while controlling possession for more than 34 minutes.

Simpson added a milestone moment early in the fourth quarter, drilling a 24-yard field goal to tie Baker's all-time career record with 48 made field goals, matching former Wildcats Derek Doerfler (2006–09) and Clarence Clark (2013–17). Simpson also went a perfect 7-for-7 on PATs in the win.

The Wildcats led 28-10 at halftime after Juelsgaard's 26-yard touchdown to Avery and Martin's third score capped a 10-play drive. Booth's 18-yard catch extended the margin in the third quarter before Simpson's record-tying kick and Booth's short rushing TD sealed the 52-16 final.

Baker's battle atop the Heart South standings with the third-ranked Ravens will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. in Liston Stadium.

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