Morningside routs Baker, 65-27

Sioux City, Iowa — A solid offensive performance by Baker University wasn’t enough for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ top scoring team on Saturday.

Baker’s 373 yards weren’t enough to keep up with Morningside College’s 565 yards from scrimmage. Throw in an interception and a blocked punt and the Mustangs routed the Wildcats, 65-27.

“Every team but one loses their last game,” Baker coach Mike Grossner said. “I felt like we didn’t give our best shot today. We fell too far behind and never made a stop.”

Morningside’s Ian Gilworth completed 23 of 27 passes for 384 yards and seven touchdowns. His counterpart, Baker’s Mack Brown, had another solid outing by completing 33-of-49 for 274 yards.

“It was definitely a disappointing loss today,” Baker’s James Hensley said. “We had high hopes to go deep into the playoffs and we definitely had the chance to do it. We came out flat today and had a couple of mistakes early. After that, it was too little, too late.”

Baker took an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter as Richie Bryant scored the first of his three touchdowns. He caught two passes and carried the other one to once again lead the Wildcats.

After the score, momentum shifted and the Mustangs never looked back. They blocked the point-after attempt and returned it for two points. During the next 10 minutes, they scored 21 unanswered points.

Baker scored its final touchdown in the middle of the third quarter to close the score to 44-24. The Mustangs then added a trio of scores before the contest was over.

The Wildcats finished their season at 8-4 after qualifying for the NAIA playoffs for the first time since 1993.