Baldwin — Baldwin lost two fumbles late, and Paola capitalized for a victory over the Bulldogs in the football opener for both schools.
Just over five minutes away from pulling off a stunner in its season opener, Baldwin High's football team fell victim to mistakes Friday night.
Leading Paola 20-7 with 6:10 left in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs fumbled twice and surrendered three touchdowns in the final minutes to fall, 28-20.
"We were five minutes from shocking the state of Kansas," said second-year Baldwin head coach Mike Berg, whose team went 1-8 last season. "Nobody thought that we would be able to come in and lead Paola by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Even though we lost, I'm so proud of this team. They came to play tonight."
With six minutes left, Baldwin punter Jason Chappelle booted a 46-yard kick to place Paola at its 37-yard line. Down by two scores, Paola quarterback Jeremiah Strong hit wide receiver Nick Green on consecutive slant patterns to move into Baldwin territory.
Running back Scott Johnson scored on a four-yard run to pull the Panthers within seven -- 20-13 with 4:25 left.
On the ensuing possession, Baldwin fumbled on the first play at its 28. Paola pounced on the opportunity. Strong dropped back and found Gabe Rockers in the right side of the end zone to close the Panthers within a point.
The Panthers took the lead -- 21-20 -- on a two-point conversion after Strong fumbled into the end zone.
Baldwin quarterback Heath Knight finished with 251 yards on 9-of-19 passing. Ben Cosman had five catches for 158 yards, including two TD receptions -- a 76-yarder and 27-yarder.
"We can't think about this one for very long," Berg said. "We have to get ready for Gardner next week. We can take a lot of positives from this game, and we have to go into next week expecting to win."
The Bulldogs will play at Gardner-Edgerton next week.
Paola 28, Baldwin 20
Paola 0 7 0 21 -- 28
Baldwin 0 14 6 0 -- 20
P -- Jeremiah Strong 3 run (Green kick).
B -- Ben Cosman 76 pass from Heath Knight (Knight pass to Reed).
B -- Cosman 27 pass from Knight (conversion failed).
P -- Scott Johnson 4 run (kick failed).
P -- Gabe Rockers 28 pass from Strong (Strong run).
P -- Johnson 59 run (Green kick).
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