Olathe ? If comparative scores meant anything, Baker University’s football team should be competitive today against MidAmerica Nazarene.

MANU, ranked No. 12 in this week’s NAIA poll, suffered its only defeat in its opener at Missouri Valley. That’s the same team Baker edged, 21-17, last weekend.

Kickoff for today’s clash between the Pioneers, the preseason favorite to capture the HAAC championship, and the unranked Wildcats will be 1:30 p.m. at Pioneer Stadium.

MANU bowed to Mo Valley, 23-13, in Marshall, Mo., while Baker rallied from a 17-6 deficit to spill the Vikings in Baldwin.

Senior linebacker Jeremiah Gress, a Free State High product, recovered an MVU fumble that led to the decisive TD.

Since losing to Missouri Valley, MANU has posted consecutive victories over Ottawa and Avila. Baker (2-1) will be home Oct. 2 against Avila.