>> BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL
The Baldwin Braves had a rough start to their season but got a muchneeded victory over region foe Howard (Macon) on Friday night.
They defeated the Huskies 45-0 behind a full-team effort on all sides of the ball.
Baldwin head coach Jesse Hicks elected to use junior Armontae Palmer and sophomore Lamar Pounds at quarterback. The duo played in the Braves’ first victory of the 2022 season against Washington County on Sept. 9. However, Baldwin’s run game proved to be Howard’s downfall.
Junior running back Micah Welch rushed for 92 yards on 17 attempts with two TDs. He had a long rush of 42-yards against the Huskies that went for a score.
Also, Palmer, who completed 1-of-2 pass attempts for 40 yards, was involved with Baldwin’s ground game. He rushed for 67 yards on nine attempts with a TD. Palmer’s most explosive run came on a 55-yard scamper. He also hauled in one reception from Pounds for a nine-yard gain.
The Braves took a commanding 24-0 lead at the intermission, adding three more TDs in the second half. It was something they hadn’t done all season long.
Pounds was 3-of-4 passing for 47 yards and a score. His favorite target was freshman wide receiver Kielan Walker, who hauled in three receptions for 72 yards and a TD.
Baldwin’s defense dominated, limiting the Huskies to 99 yards of total offense. The Braves kept the duo of Deon Wellons and Tybien Smith in check.
Now, Baldwin is 2-4 overall at the mid-point part of the year but is 1-1 in Region 2-4A play. The Braves are off this Friday and now have two weeks to prepare for a home matchup with Perry, rated the No. 3 team in Class 4A.
The Panthers (5-0, 2-0 Region 2-4A) defeated Baldwin 40-8 last season for the region title, but the Braves hope to bounce back against them next Friday.
Baldwin and Perry will meet on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Braves Stadium.
The Braves will then close out the season against West Laurens (Oct.
21), Westside (Oct. 28) and Griffin (Nov. 4).