(RV) Baker Falls to No. 3 Benedictine in Heart South Battle on Senior Day

BALDWIN CITY – (RV) Baker fell to No. 3 Benedictine, 31-10, on Saturday afternoon at Liston Stadium in the Clash of the Week, snapping a five-game winning streak in a matchup that carried Heart South title implications on Senior Day for BU.

The Wildcats and Ravens entered the day as the division's final two unbeaten conference teams. With the win, Benedictine clinched at least a share of the Heart South championship and can secure it outright next Saturday at home against (RV) MidAmerica Nazarene.

The contest stayed tight deep into the second half behind a resilient Baker defense that stymied one of the NAIA's top offenses. The Ravens entered the week averaging 53.3 points per game - 63.6 over their last five outings, all games of 52 or more points - but the Wildcats forced punts on Benedictine's first five possessions and held the Ravens to just 10 first-half points.

Baker also delivered the most effective defensive performance against Benedictine quarterback Jackson Dooley this season, limiting the program's career passing leader to a season-low 119 passing yards and without multiple touchdowns for the first time in 2025. The Wildcats held the Ravens to just 4-of-11 on third down and limited Dooley to eight completions, disrupting the rhythm of Benedictine's passing attack throughout the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the BU offense finished the day with 282 total yards, rushing for 145 yards and adding 137 through the air. Gabe Martin led the Wildcats on the ground with 68 rushing yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Truman Juelsgaard added 31 rushing yards and completed 11-of-21 passes.

Kicker Seth Simpson delivered one of the day's defining moments, drilling a 43-yard field goal in the fourth quarter that not only pulled Baker within 24-10, but also broke the program's career record for field goals made. Simpson, a senior from Lee's Summit, Mo., now owns 49 field goals for his career, surpassing previous record holders Derek Doerfler (2006-09) and Clarence Clark (2013-17).

After trading punts to start the game, Baker struck first, capping a 48-yard drive midway through the opening quarter when Martin punched in a 1-yard touchdown at the 2:58 mark, giving the Wildcats a 7-0 lead. Prior to the score, the BU defense had already forced two three-and-outs, setting the early tone.

Benedictine responded with a 44-yard field goal early in the second quarter, but the Wildcats continued to blunt the Ravens' rhythm until a momentum-shifting sequence late in the half. With 3:09 remaining, BC recovered a fumble on a designed run from Juelsgaard at the BU 46, and flipped it into points just two minutes later on a 2-yard touchdown pass, sending the teams into the break with the Ravens ahead 10-7.

The Wildcats opened the third quarter with their most sustained march of the afternoon, grinding out a 14-play, 67-yard drive that spanned 8:17 and featured chunk carries from Martin and Gaige Warren, including a 15-yard burst to the Benedictine 25. But the drive stalled after a fake field goal run taken by Juelsgaard was stopped short, giving the ball back to BC.

On the ensuing possession, the Ravens broke off their longest drive of the day, covering 92 yards in just over three minutes and finishing with a 1-yard touchdown plunge to extend the lead to 17-7.

BU answered early in the fourth after Juelsgaard connected with Warren for 34 yards, then found Noah Hastert for 19 more to move into scoring range. Facing fourth-and-12 from the 26, Simpson delivered his record-breaking 43-yard field goal to trim the margin to 24-10 with 3:32 remaining.

Benedictine sealed the game on the ensuing possession, riding the legs of running back Xavier Ugorji, who closed the afternoon with a 19-yard touchdown sprint to pad BC's lead and cap the three-score victory.

Prior to the game, Baker honored 24 seniors for their contributions and dedication to the BU football program. Those seniors included: Kris Brown, Rickey Brown, Clyde Clark, Zane Clark, Beaux Coleman, Eldon Haynes, David Hernandez, Reese Holaday, Darius Johnson, Truman Juelsgaard, Zac Kramer, Parker Lane, Quez Lee, Gabe Martin, Cooper Monson, Aidan Palmer, Jake Randall, Griffin Schermerhorn, Zach Schneider, Seth Simpson, Jalen Smith, Trent Spiker, Gaige Warren, Andrew Williams.

With its first setback in seven weeks, Baker will close out the 2025 regular season next weekend, traveling to Lamoni, Iowa to take on Graceland in an interdivisional matchup. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.

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