PENSACOLA – Seth Paige made his return trip to his hometown a memorable one to say the least.
Paige, who attended middle school in Pensacola five years ago, accounted for four touchdowns and over 200 yards rushing in his first game back home leading visiting Baker County to a 48-28 win over host West Florida.
Things didn’t start so well for the Wildcats though, who fumbled the ball away on the opening play of the game allowing West Florida to take an early 7-0 lead on a Keyshawn Helton run just four plays into the game.
That’s when Paige took over scoring on a 5 yard run to tie things up at 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
Trevor Jordan hits Helton on a 29-yard touchdown pass, giving West Florida a 14-7 lead over Baker County with 1:45 left in the first quarter.
However, Paige tied the game at 14-all just a minute later on a 10-yard run as both teams headed into the second quarter all knotted up still.
Braeden Sanders recovered a Jaguars fumble at the 38-yard line, which set up Paige’s third touchdown of the first half a 26 yard run giving Baker County a 21-14 lead with four minutes left till half.
After getting a quick three and out on defense, Lee Graham raced 48 yards for another score out of the Wildcat formation and a 27-14 lead with two minutes left in the half.
The energy in Pensacola is already electric and we still haven’t had the coin toss yet. #flhsfb pic.twitter.com/YRA9Z9dt0S
— Jon Shumake (@JonShu89) December 2, 2017
West Florida quickly responded in the third quarter as Jordan hit Helton again for a yard pass cutting the lead to 27-21 barely two minutes into the third quarter.
After stuffing Devin Abrams on a fourth and three play, Paige made them pay again sprinting 80 yards up the middle untouched for a 80 yard score one play later increasing the lead to 34-21 with two minutes left in the third.
Despite playing at home and in front of its fans, West Florida (12-2) was the one playing nervous and making all the mistakes. A high snap on a punt gave the Wildcats great field position at the 10-yard line late in the third quarter.
Fullback Cooper Hodges, who committed to Appalachian State, bulldozed his way in for a 42-21 lead seconds into the fourth quarter.
West Florida, which was able to come from behind and knock off Trinity Christian last week in the second half, appeared on its way of getting back in the game put Graham picked off Jordan near the end zone to kill the threat.
A drive later, the Jaguars were not to be denied as Jordan hit Michael Redding on a 22-yard touchdown pass cutting Baker County’s lead to 42-28 with 2:40 left to play.
After recovering the onside kick, Graham called his own number again and raced 46 yards untouched for dagger and 48-28 lead with 1:42 left in the game.
The large Baker County crowd that made the trip to Pensacola is chanting “All the way to state” as the Wildcats are on the verge of their first trip the to state championship game. #flhsfb pic.twitter.com/qWjwUHAq8V
— Jon Shumake (@JonShu89) December 2, 2017
As the clock wound down, Baker County fans and cheerleaders began to yell “All the way to state” as for the first time in programs history the Wildcats will play for a state football title.
Baker County (13-1) will play Plantation American Heritage in the Class 5A state title game Friday at 3 p.m. at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
BUY TICKETS | 2017 #FHSAA 5A Championship Gamehttps://t.co/0dzKDnhXLA@AH__Athletics (HOME) vs. Baker County (AWAY)
Friday
Dec. 8
3 p.m.@CWStadium pic.twitter.com/mlU1mco5dW— FHSAA (@FHSAA) December 2, 2017
