MARSHALL, MO. ? Three straight games. Three straight cardiac-inducing victories. Can Baker University’s football team do it again?

The Wildcats, who have won their last three outings by a total of 10 points, will tangle today with Missouri Valley College in a Heart of America Athletic Conference game.

Kickoff will be 1:30 p.m. at Gregg-Mitchell Field on the MVC campus.

“We have found a way to win the last three weeks,” BU coach Mike Grossner said, “and that is encouraging for a young football team.”

Baker’s streak started with a 15-13 victory over William Jewell on Derek Doerfler’s late 62-yard field goal and continued the following week with a 16-14 victory at Evangel. Last week, the ‘Cats held on to trip Central Methodist, 13-7.

Missouri Valley (5-2) is defending HAAC champion and ranked No. 15 in this week’s NAIA poll. Baker (5-3) would assure its first winning season since 2000 with a victory.

On their way to the HAAC title last season, the Vikings blanked Baker, 28-0, in Baldwin City. The Wildcats won in Marshall in 2005, claiming a 45-24 victory.

Baker’s defense, anchored by linebackers Spencer Curran (91 tackles), Micah Mason (71) and Brad Page (63), has been steady all season. The Wildcats have surrendered an average of 11.3 points a game.

“Our defense is the strength of our football team,” Grossner said. “They are playing so well together and have a great mind-set when they run onto the field.”

Baker’s home finale will be next Saturday against No. 18-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene. The Wildcats will conclude the season on Nov. 10 against Avila in Kansas City, Mo.