>> BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL
Baldwin High School (0-2) failed to deliver its first win in 10 months during its first away game in 2022. The Braves lost a heart-breaker to rival Putnam County (1-0) on Friday.
After holding a 7-2 lead in the first quarter, Baldwin would score only once more as its defense allowing 312 yards of total offense. The Braves would fall to the War Eagles by a score of 23-14 at Al Reaves Field.
Baldwin head coach Jesse Hicks was disappointed in the performance, but self-reflected on how the leadership and game preparation faltered under his charge.
“I know the kids are disappointed,” Hicks said. “I know the community is disappointed. If you're looking for somebody to point the finger to, point it to me.”
Hicks believed his team shot themselves in the feet multiple times, especially with the number of penalties accrued in the game. There was a secondhalf drive where the Braves’ offense committed four consecutive penalties, he said.
“Penalties killed every piece of momentum we ever had,” Hicks said. “Even when we were coming down, we were driving out after the turnover. Again, we’ve got to be better than that.”
Eight plays into the first drive, Baldwin’s Solomon Burney made a bad read to the right side of the field at the Putnam County War Eagles’ 22-yard line. Jalon Kilgore, who started his high school career on the Baldwin sideline, picked it off and took it three yards to end an elongated Brave drive.
Putnam would have to punt on the next drive deep in its own territory. Baldwin would not make much of its second possession, driving only three yards and culminated it with a three-and-out.
Putnam’s Rashod Daniel then weaved through the formation and blocked a Jacobe Jackson punt. The ball rolled into the back of the end zone for a safety, giving the War Eagles a 2-0 lead.
The Braves got some momentum on the next drive that led to their first touchdown.
Jaylen King went on a 45-yard scoop-and-score after a sack of Putnam quarterback Branan Griffin, making it 7-2 in Baldwin’s favor. However, the War Eagles would lead 16-7 at halftime.
The Braves did make it a close game late in the third quarter. Burney connected with an open Armontae Palmer for a 77-yard score. Turnovers, gaining under 30 yards from scrimmage and multiple personal fouls that called plays back killed any potential second half momentum for the Braves.
Baldwin’s next game will be at home against (1-0) Ware County this Friday. It will be another huge test on a tough schedule. The Gators defeated the Braves 41-20 last season in Waycross.
Hicks anticipates the team will strengthen its positives, work out its team’s flaws and make a better headway in preparation for Ware County.
“If the score was (23-14 Baldwin over Putnam), you have to prepare the same way,” Hicks said. “If you don't prepare the same way, you kind of lose focus on what you're supposed to be here for. So again, the preparation will never change. It's just up to us to get it done.”
Putnam County middle linebacker Seth Boyer (12) closes in on Baldwin quarterback Solomon Burney.