By Southbound Sports
Two of Class 6A Region 1’s programs meet Friday night as the Baker Hornets travel across the bay to take on the Daphne Trojans. With both teams looking to build momentum in region play, Friday’s matchup features several players capable of changing the game on either side of the football.
Here are six players Southbound Sports will be watching when Baker and Daphne take the field.
Baker Hornets
Tate Graham | QB | Senior
Baker’s offense starts with senior quarterback Tate Graham. At 6-foot-5, Graham brings plenty of size to the position and gives the Hornets an experienced presence running the offense.
The biggest challenge for Graham will be handling a Daphne defense that has already shown an ability to create game-changing plays. If Baker can protect its quarterback and give him opportunities downfield, Graham has the weapons around him to put pressure on the Trojan secondary.
Gavin Wood | RB | Senior
Gavin Wood gives Baker a physical option in the backfield and could play an important role in determining how Friday’s game unfolds.
For the Hornets, establishing Wood and the running game would help keep Daphne’s defense honest while creating opportunities for Graham through the air. In a region matchup where possessions could become increasingly valuable, Wood’s ability to keep Baker ahead of the chains will be worth watching.
Jamien Pryor | WR | Junior
One of Baker’s most dangerous weapons on the perimeter is junior receiver Jamien Pryor.
Pryor gives Graham a playmaker in the passing game and presents an important matchup for Daphne’s secondary. Baker will look for ways to get the ball into his hands and create opportunities after the catch.
The matchup between Pryor and Daphne’s defensive backs could be one of the most interesting battles of the night.
Daphne Trojans
Christian Segar | QB | Senior
For Daphne, everything begins with senior quarterback Christian Segar.
Segar has the ability to distribute the football and put pressure on a defense through the air, but Friday will provide another test against a Baker team looking to disrupt Daphne’s offensive rhythm.
If the Trojans can protect Segar and stay out of obvious passing situations, Daphne should have opportunities to create explosive plays.
Karson Lacey | DB | Junior
Keep an eye on Karson Lacey when Baker puts the ball in the air.
The junior defensive back is part of a Daphne secondary that will be tasked with slowing Graham, Pryor and the Hornets’ passing attack. Lacey’s ability to hold up in coverage could allow Daphne to be more aggressive elsewhere defensively.
With Baker featuring a talented receiver in Pryor, Lacey could find himself involved in one of Friday night’s biggest individual matchups.
Tay Young | RB | Senior
Senior running back Tay Young gives the Trojans a player capable of providing balance alongside Segar and Daphne’s passing attack.
Young’s production could be especially important Friday. If Daphne can consistently generate yards on the ground, it can stay out of long-yardage situations and open more of the playbook for Segar.
Expect the Trojans to look for opportunities to get Young involved early and force Baker to defend the entire field.
Matchup to Watch
Baker’s passing game vs. Daphne’s secondary.
Graham and Pryor give the Hornets an intriguing quarterback-receiver combination, while Lacey and the Daphne secondary will try to prevent Baker from generating explosive plays.
On the other side, Daphne’s offensive balance could be the deciding factor. If Segar and Young can complement each other and the Trojans consistently move the chains, Baker could have difficulty controlling possession.
With region positioning at stake, Baker vs. Daphne has the pieces to be one of the more intriguing games along the Gulf Coast this Friday night.
Southbound Sports will have coverage of Baker vs. Daphne as part of our Week 3 coverage across Mobile and Baldwin Counties.