The Gators secured a homecoming victory last Friday after defeating FAMU DRS 50-16. Although Baker’s defense played a part in the margin of victory, it was Calvin Wilks’ ground game that opened the field for Baker. Wilks rushed for 145 yards on 17 carries along with two receptions for 74 yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Most of Wilks’ rushing attempts were hard fought, and he made sure FAMU defenders paid for trying to prevent him from scoring. His work ethic and inability to quit are what have earned Wilks this week’s Baker High Athlete of the Week.

The Bulldogs took on a heavy-set quad match Sept. 26 featuring two district opponents in Pace and Navarre. Through the three games played, Codi Whitfield stood out on the stat sheet. When facing the Patriots, Whitfield led the team in hitting percentage with .375 and five digs. She also led the team versus Navarre with a .357 hitting percentage six kills and six assists. Lastly when going against West Florida, Whitfield topped the charts with five kills, three blocks, and eight digs. Whitfield’s performance that Saturday highlighted her inability to quit and willingness to win, earning her this week’s Crestview High Athlete of the Week.

The Baker Gators put up a strong performance against North Bay Haven last week. Among the many top performances, Chasen Lawrence played an all-around fantastic game. Offensively, Lawrence rushed for 88 yards on four carries with a touchdown. He also had a nine-yard reception for a second touchdown. On defense, Lawrence totaled six tackles and recovered a fumble for the Gators. Lawrence’s ability to play full speed on both sides of the ball while making an impact is what’s earned him this week’s Baker High Athlete of the Week.

Crestview didn’t quit after falling behind 21 points to Pace last week, and much of that has to do with the momentum created by Manwell Robinson. Not only did Robinson score the first touchdown for Crestview, but his ability also to create space and find an opening allowed Crestview to drive downfield and get in scoring position. Robinson would score again on Crestview’s opening drive out of halftime. Although the Bulldogs were down 41-27, Robinson continued to fight and scooped up an onside kick to give Crestview another shot at a comeback. Robinson’s fight and inability to quit, along with his stand out performance is what has earned him this week’s Crestview High Athlete of the Week.

The Gators boys’ golf team recently went to Pace and competed at the Byron Nathan Classic Tournament. It was an all-day tournament featuring 20 total schools for a full 18 holes of golf. While there, Baker’s Landen Marshall led his team with a final score of 81 strokes, shooting just 8 over par on the course. Marshall has been a consistent top finisher through nine holes at Blackwater for Baker. The addition of nine extra holes for a full course didn’t deter Marshall from putting forth his best performance. His determination and resilience through the heat has earned him this week’s Baker High Athlete of the Week.

There are many multi-sport athletes at Crestview High School, and there are those who also participate in band. For Luke Smith, it’s a quick turnaround from performing under the Friday night lights at halftime to diving in the water for a swim meet. At Crestview’s most recent meet, Smith was the lone Bulldog to swim in the 500-yard freestyle event. The event is equivalent to the 1500, or one mile, in track and field. Smith placed third with a time of 6:04.25. His resilience, determination, and strength are what has earned him this week’s Crestview High Athlete of the Week.