Baldwin ? Baker University is boasting about the new turf field installed at Liston Stadium.

But after two games played on the new synthetic surface, the football team has yet to christen it with a win after a 24-0 loss to Evangel on Saturday.

“It’s very frustrating because we have great fan support home and away, and it was Family Day today,” Baker coach Mike Grossner said. “So we would have loved to have had a great showing, get a nice win and kind of break the ice on the turf. But for some reason we can’t get ‘er done at home.”

The Wildcats (2-2) were unable to move the ball against a Crusaders defense that sacked Mack Brown four times and forced three interceptions – one of which was returned for a touchdown in the first minute of the second quarter.

“Surprisingly, I thought we had a good pass-protection scheme going in to pick up their blitzes, and they play a lot of man in the secondary, and we were trying to take advantage of that,” Grossner said. “But it seemed we were getting beat one-on-one up front. Which, you can keep as many guys in as you want, but if they’re beating you one-on-one, you’re not going to get the ball off and be able to go deep on them.”

Baker only picked up 111 yards of offense with 70 of it coming through the air. Seth Williams could only pick up 33 yards rushing on eight carries as the top rushing back for Baker.

Baker University's Brad Fawcett makes a fingertip catch against Evangel. The Wildcats fell to 0-2 on their new home turf with Saturday's 24-0 loss at Liston Stadium.

“In all aspects, we weren’t very good tonight. Kicking game wasn’t there, defensively we couldn’t stop the run, and offensively we were inept doing both (stopping the run and pass),” Grossner said. “We don’t have an identity right now. Last year, we threw the ball around pretty good and established that.

“And this year, with our offensive line, I have faith that they’re going to get it going. But we’ve got to create some seams for our backs and find a back that is going to get us yards.”

On defense, the Wildcats simply couldn’t contain Evangel’s Shedrick McClenton II – who, coming into the game, was the leader in all-purpose yardage in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and second in rushing yards. McClenton went far beyond his 104 rushing yards per game as he busted loose for 212 yards on 23 carries, including a 72-yard touchdown run late in the first half.

“When they can sit there and run it at you, you’re not going to have a lot of success on defense,” Grossner said.

The fast-moving game came to a screeching halt with about eight minutes remaining when former Free State High player Danny Pike had to be carted off the field due to an apparent leg injury. There was no specific word on the extent of Pike’s injury following the game.

Next week, the Wildcats will return to the road, where they seem to be more comfortable, having won their first two road games. They’ll be looking to pick up the program’s 500th win.

“We’re going to go on the road, try to regroup and play a very tough Central Methodist team,” Grossner said. “They are very difficult to beat down there. It’ll be a great challenge for us to get on the road and try to have a business-like trip and get a win.”