Make That 3 And 0; Shelby Next

The Glasgow Scotties hosted the Baker Spartans on Sept. 12 for the homecoming game. Glasgow got off to a great start and stayed sharp throughout the game, defeating Baker 14-0 in front of a packed hometown crowd.

Now with a 3-0 record, Glasgow finally broke a losing streak against the Spartans.

Glasgow shook off its habit of a sloppy first quarter and capitalized on Baker's turnovers and penalties. It was a physical and hard-hitting game, as was expected between these two rivals. Glasgow had only one turnover.

"We won the game because we made better execution and fewer mistakes," said Scottie head coach Greg Liebelt. "Our defense was superb. To beat a dominant program like Baker, much less than to shut them down, speaks volume to the tough defense that our kids put up."

Glasgow produced seven tackles for losses, while Baker only had one against the home team.

Senior quarterback Jason Thibault scored both touchdowns for the Scotties. The first took place just 5:25 into the first quarter, in Glasgow's very first possession. Chase Fossum leaped up for a 12-yard pass from Thibault that brought the ball to Baker's 40-yard line. Behind protection from the offensive line, Thibault cut back then sprinted past Baker's Dallas Arnell all the way to the end zone. PAT by Cache Younkin brought the score to 7-0, Glasgow.

Thibault's second touchdown was a one-yard sneak 47 seconds before the halftime. Interception by Lane Nickels, followed by a 32-yard reception by Fossum, set up the Scotties nicely for the gold that put the Spartans away for good.

Thibault was the recipient of the the Norm Thompson Award, given to the MVP of each homecoming game.

While Baker put up greater offensive numbers than Glasgow, their power never did take off. Plagued by two fumbles, two interceptions, five sacks and over ten penalties, the Spartans could not maintain possession long enough to string plays together. The sole threat to the Scotties' end zone turned out to be a 52-yard pass, just a couple of feet too long, at the start of the fourth quarter.

"Even though he's only a sophomore, he has an excellent arm and is always dangerous when he charges up the middle," says coach Liebelt of Baker's quarterback, Luke Gonsioroski. Gonsioroski was 11-24 passing for 133 yards, and 24 for 49 yards rushing.

Baker tightened up their execution in the second half, holding the Scotties scoreless. The Scotties ran 75 yards (same as the first half), but had 0-5 passing.

Looking ahead to the next game, a road trip to Shelby on Friday, Sept. 19, coach Liebelt couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"We see the first three games as the major hurdle of our schedule this season," said Liebelt. "Our players have weathered well so far. Everyone is staying healthy with no serious injuries. That is huge for us."

Liebelt expects his team to continue to improve, however. "There are lots of little things that we need to do better with. It's the small things that make a big difference in close games," said Liebelt.

The Shelby Coyotes are 2-0 thus far, having defeated Plains 56-8 and Harlem 58-6. The Scotties dominated over the Coyotes in last year's homecoming game with a 42-9 victory.

Game Stats

Total offense for Glasgow was 30-150 yards rushing, 10-18 passing for 105, for a total of 255. Total offense for Baker was 127 rushing and 133 passing, for a total of 260.

Rushing: Jason Thibault 5-46, Dallas Capdeville 9-23, Tanner Roness 8-53, and Parker Kulczyk 8-28.

Receptions: Chase Fossum 4-60, Zach Miller 1-12, Jake Page 2-13, Tanner Roness 2-8, and Dallas Capdeville 1-12.