Macclenny Fl- It was a tough hard nosed game from two tough hard nosed teams. Wakulla (10-2) came into the game on a 7-game winning streak. They defeated Raines last week in the Class 1-5A Regional Semifinal 32-27. While Baker County (10-2) was riding a 7-game winning stream themselves, defeating West Florida last week 13-10 in the regional semifinal. Both teams were extremely similar, but something had to give in the Class 1-5A Regional Final.
Baker County came out hot and fast like they have done all year. Running back Cam Smith took the first play of the game to the house on a 65-yard touchdown run putting the Wildcats up 6-0 after the missed PAT. Smith has rushed for 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns this year coming into the game.
Wakulla would answer with their own playmaker on the ground. Zamarion Smith has run wild this year, rushing for 1737 yards and 17 TDs on the season. He continued that trend rushing for over 100-yards in the first half and scoring on a short touchdown run to take the lead 7-6 over Baker County.
An X-factor for Baker County this year has been quarterback Noah Ray. He has provided leadership, poise, toughness and tight spiral throws adding a caveat to the Wildcat offense this year. He would connect with speedster Jaymodd Ruise on a 39-yard touchdown pass to regain the lead for Baker County 13-7 in the second quarter. A field goal by Wakulla would send both teams to halftime with a 13-10 score.
A back and forth defensive contest ensued with bend but don’t break defenses. Yet, Baker County’s defense would come up big in the end. After a blocked punt by Ronnie Ellis and a Bryce Kazmierczak forced fumble, Baker County would turn the turnovers into points when Smith rocketed around the end for a 6-yard touchdown run increasing the Wildcats lead to 20-10.
In the fourth, Orlando Holland would go crazy sacking the quarterback several times. When it was all said and done his seven sacks in the game completely dismantled the Wakulla offense. Cam Smith put the finishing touches on a hat trick night scoring his third touchdown of the night as Baker County would go on to win 26-10.
Baker County(11-2) will wait to see who they play as the State Semifinals will be reseeded amongst the Class 5A teams in the state. It is Baker County’s first trip to the semifinals since 2017 where they fell to American Heritage in the state championship game.
2021 FHSAA Football State Championships 5A Football State Championships
