Scotties Dawg Spartans to the End, Fall to Baker 36-22

The Scotties faced the Baker Spartans in a hard-hitting game of football Sept. 9, giving the second ranked team a run for their money.

The Scotties struggled to find their footing in the first quarter of the game. Defensively, they failed to deny the Spartans, who scored two touchdowns and had one successful two-point conversion. Offensively, they were unable to make it to the end zone themselves, and the quarter ended with Baker on top 14-0.

The Scotties found some momentum in the second quarter, beginning with a stunning touchdown by defensive lineman Alex Fransen. Fransen scooped up a fumbled snap by the Spartans and found the end zone, lighting up the Scotties side of the scoreboard for the first time of the night. Cache Younkin followed up with a successful kick for the extra point.

It wasn't long however, before Baker answered with an interception and touchdown to bring the score to 20-7, still in favor of the Spartans.

Glasgow's starting quarterback, Benji Phillips, was sidelined at the end of the second quarter with an injury to his elbow, and backup Darrin Wersal was sent in to finish the half. Sophomore Jaden Hughes also suffered a bit of an injury to his knee during the contest, but no need to worry, fans. Phillips and Hughes are both good-to-go for this Friday's game.

The third quarter belonged to the Scotties. Wersal continued at the QB position, and Phillips was able to get back in the game on the offensive line. A six-yard touchdown run by Phillips cut the gap in the score, with another successful extra-point kick from Younkin. Glasgow's persistent and strong defense prevented the Spartans from advancing and held them to 20 points. The third quarter came to an end with the Scotties knocking on the door of a tie game, just six points behind Baker.

The Spartans started the fourth quarter off with a 45-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion – bringing the score to 28-14. The Scotties weren't going down without a fight, though. Cade Myrick scored a 16-yard touchdown off Wersal, and Luke Breigenzer padded the score when he ran in with a two-point conversion. The Scotties again found themselves within six and were looking to tie things up.

The Spartans had a plan of their own, however, and completed a 25-yard touchdown with an extra two points to finish the game on top with a score of 36-22.

Despite the loss, the Scotties demonstrated solid, consistent team play, with each player stepping up and making a difference. Notably, Wersal was 11 of 23 for 118 yards as QB when he stepped in for an injured Phillips.

In spite of being knocked around, Phillips re-entered the game in the second half and continued to contribute to the team's success with his TD run and a few QB sacks.

In addition to Breigenzer and Younkin, who were consistently strong throughout the contest, Trent Herbert was a solid factor on offense and defense as well.

Defensively, Fransen had the best game, although Austin Leatherberry was an intimidating presence on the field as well.

Head coach Greg Liebelt was complimentary of the whole team. "It was a great team effort," he said. "We played a really sound game, and we made Baker stand up and take notice."

Liebelt is also pleased with the team's overall progression. "Looking at how we were in Colstrip compared to the game the other night, I'm confident in how things are going," he explained.

The Scotties will light up Scottie Field this Friday, Sept. 16, as they take on Big Timber for homecoming. The halftime show will feature the ever-popular Saskatoon Police Pipes and Drums.