Bolts hand East Union its first loss

AFTON — Baxter’s football team won ts third game as an 8-man program Friday, leading previously undefeated East Union the entire way in a 72-50 road victory.

Baxter led 42-20 at halftime and held a 66-34 lead after three quarters.

Senior Braydon Aker was 17-of-27 through the air for 371 yards and eight touchdown passes. Aker also rushed for 53 yards and two scores, playing a part in 10 of the Bolts’ 11 touchdowns.

Aker’s favorite target was once again senior Travis Lindemoen. Lindemoen hauled in 11 passes for 267 yards and six TDs. He also returned a kickoff 70 yards for a score.

Aker connected with senior Devin Carson for a 60-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. Aker’s other TD pass was a 9-yarder to sophomore Cole Damman.

Aker completed passes to just three players. Damman caught four passes for 40 yards and Carson hauled in two passes for 64 yards.

The Bolts’ defense allowed touchdowns at the end of both halves but forced five turnovers in the win.

Carson, Lindemoen and junior Brendyn Padget all had interceptions and Baxter (3-1) forced two fumbles, too. Aker and senior Marcus Mitchell both recovered fumbles.

The win by Baxter spoiled East Union’s Homecoming. The Eagles had previously recorded two shutouts and came into the game outscoring their opponents 144-26 in starting the season 3-0.

Baxter stays on the road this week. The Bolts play at 7 p.m. Friday at fifth-ranked Lone Tree (5-0).