March 29, 2024

Baxter claims emotional win over Collins-Maxwell

BAXTER — In a matchup of former teammates, Baxter won the first meeting against Collins-Maxwell since 1987.

The Bolts led 26-22 after three quarters before pulling away in the fourth during 8-man District 5 action. Baxter led 8-0 after one quarter and 20-6 at halftime. The final score was 42-22 in favor of the Bolts.

“The kids were excited to play after an emotional week, and we needed something positive moving forward,” Baxter coach Rob Luther said. “There was a lot of excitement after the win.”

Freshman Rory Heer had a coming out party for the Bolts, rushing for 141 yards and four TDs. He also had two interceptions on defense and converted two two-point conversions.

Baxter (1-3 overall, 1-1 in district play) had to make some adjustments on both sides of the ball after losing junior quarterback and linebacker Cole Damman for the season because of a shoulder injury.

The Bolts went to a two-back set and ran behind seniors Will Clapper and Koby Barber and sophomore Micah Kearns.

Senior Andrew Esqueda moved from the offensive line to fullback and had 44 yards on eight carries and one catch that went for a 19-yard TD. It was Esqueda’s first career touchdown.

Senior Brendyn Padget is the Bolts’ new quarterback. He was 10-of-15 for 160 yards, two TDs and one interception in his first start. He also rushed for 78 yards on 17 carries.

Senior Dalton Heer had 19 rushing yards and hauled in four catches for 81 yards, including a 25-yard TD catch.

Baxter and Collins-Maxwell were playing on the gridiron for the first time since the two high schools split from an athletic sharing agreement that lasted 29 years.

The Bolts went 8-1 last year in their first 8-man season. Collins-Maxwell (0-5, 0-2) is still searching for its first win as a program.

Both communities wore yellow for suicide prevention after a Baxter teenager died last weekend.

Baxter plays Gladbrook-Reinbeck at 7 p.m. Friday in Reinbeck.

The Rebels are 2-2 overall and 2-0 in district play after its 93-6 Week 4 win over Melcher-Dallas.