Football Roundup: Baker closes out season with big win; Fort Walton Beach, Freeport lose
BAKER — Kayleb Wagner is back. And Baker is back to winning.
Wagner rushed twice for 69 yards and pair of scores, Ryan Fleming added two touchdowns and the Gators defeated winless Vernon 49-13 to end their regular season at 6-2.
It's good to be back in the win column for the Gators, which lost two straight followed by a bye week. Now the Gators enter the 1A state playoffs with the top seed in Region 1 and a title to defend.
Freeport finishes regular season 4-6 after loss to Lafayette
It was an imperfect storm for the Freeport Bulldogs in its 44-13 loss against Lafayette.
Pouring rain, temperatures in the upper 40s and injuries contributed to Freeport's sixth loss of the season.
Wide receiver KK Henderson opened things up for Freeport with a 52-yard receiving touchdown, and Cole McCormick caught a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
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Freeport will continue its season next week, as it teeters one of the best six teams in the region despite its recent string of losses and injuries, including that of 'tackling machine' Tracker Thomaston.
"Our guys gave their best effort and attitude all the way through," said Shaun Arntz, Freeport head coach. "No matter what's happened, we need to be grateful for that, live off that and let it motivate us this coming week."
Fort Walton Beach drops ninth game of season against Milton
It proved to be one of the more competitive games for Fort Walton Beach.
But the Vikings came up short after the Milton Panthers pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 30-16 at Steve Riggs Stadium.
It started in favor of the Vikings, with Niklos McTear taking it to the house on a 70-yard touchdown.
Quarterback Garrison Kurtz provided the last touchdown for the Vikings season on a 10-yard scramble.
The Vikings finish the year at 1-9, ready to move on to what can only be an improved 2022 season.
"It's the most enjoyable year I've had in coaching, as strange as that may sound but the effort, kids wanting to do things right, fight like crazy," said Chip Petree, Fort Walton Beach head coach. "We'll just get ready for next year."
Follow sports reporter Lorenzino Estrada on Twitter at @KyLoRenzino
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: High School Football: Baker defeats Vernon, Fort Walton Beach and Freeport lose
