One athlete whose effort shifted the momentum was Elijah Lindros. After Blountstown mishandled a punt, Lindros was already downfield ready to pounce on the ball. He did the same thing the week before in Holmes County. In the third quarter, Blountstown was knocking on the door to score, but Lindros stepping in front of a pass for an interception to stop the drive. His unwillingness to quit and determination to stay in the game is what’s earned him this week’s Baker High Athlete of the Week.

Sheldon has led his team both meets with an eighth-place finish at Pine Forest and most recently, a fourth place finish out of 165 total runners at the Pace Patriot Invitational. Sheldon’s ability to run a fast-paced 5K has assisted with the Bulldogs finishing among the top teams at each competition. His dedication over the summer and his tenacity to fight through the morning heat are what makes him this week’s Athlete of the Week.

Among those is defensive end Sean Schoonover, who played lights out against Pine Forest last Friday night. Crestview’s defense struggled to contain Pine Forest’s offense, but Schoonover was a repeated name through the speakers of Jack Foster Stadium. The Crestview junior made multiple stops either in the backfield or tracking down the ball carrier in the field. His resilience and hard work allowed the Bulldog offense opportunities to close the gap in the fourth quarter, earning him this week’s Athlete of the Week.

Through five sets, Baker pulled out the win to improve to 5-1 on the season. One player who stood out was defensive specialist, Keagan Price. The Braves fought hard when facing the Gators, but Price became the dividing line between an opponent scoring and keeping the rally alive for Baker. Her heart, effort, and determination was a determining factor in Baker’s win over Walton.

The dual threat quarterback utilized both his legs and his arm in last week’s victory over Destin. Mitchem went 6/8 that night for 73 yards through the air, while rushing for 106 yards on 11 carries, scoring twice. Mitchem’s running ability while simultaneously being able to throw downfield is what gives the Baker play book so many options for moving the ball downfield, and is what makes them a contender in 1A football.

With Manwell Robinson not playing, Goldsmith had to step up in the backfield and continue to stay on the field for defense. Goldsmith took six carries for 28 yards and the first touchdown of the game last Friday. Goldsmith stayed on the field and prevented any further progression from Enterprise with a fumble recovery. His unwilling to give up, his commitment to playing both sides of the ball, and his relentless effort earns Goldsmith this week’s Crestview athlete of the week.

While only in the eighth grade, Ashburn is already an elite player who can keep Baker trending upward in one of their top sports. Quick, intelligent, and powerful, Ashburn is not someone an opponent should take lightly. While hosting Laurel Hill during the opening week of the regular season, Ashburn was consistent with her offensive attacks. Time and time again the sound of her swing echoed throughout the gym. After celebrating with her team, it was back to work.

While facing the Pace Patriots, Diez- Cowley received 14 serves successfully. She later stepped up her intensity when Rocky Bayou visited Crestview’s gymnasium. That game, Diez-Cowley recorded two aces, nine digs, and received 13 serves. Her tenacity brought the team together in the third set versus Rocky Bayou to battle from behind and win to complete the sweep.