Baier’s record-breaking night leads Tigers to homecoming win

The Red Oak football team saved its best performance for its biggest crowd.
The Tigers got a school record six touchdowns from Adam Baier and a sparkling effort from their defense in 44-6 victory over Missouri Valley before a capacity crowd on homecoming in Red Oak Friday.
“We have a few things we can fix but getting a win makes homecoming a little sweeter for the kids,” said Red Oak coach Michael Nordeen after the game.
The win saw the Tigers build a 26-6 halftime lead and limit the Big Reds to — total yards through three quarters.
“I think this was our most complete game we’ve played,” Nordeen said. “Offensively, we were able to do a lot offensively we weren’t able to do. We mixed some things up and got some different things going. That West Central Valley win was a good one, but I think just coming out handling things like we did was good for the guys.”
Baier had a big role in the Tigers’ success all game long.
Operating from the shotgun as a wildcat QB for much of the game, Baier handed off to Jaxon Terry for the game’s first touchdown and the early 6-0 lead.
Missouri Valley answered to open the second quarter when Brayden Neill connected with Rush Knudsen on a 34-yard pass to knot the score at 6-6.
After the two teams traded turnovers on each of the subsequent possessions, the Tigers would grab the momentum back on a 27-yard Baier touchdown scamper. The point-after made the score 14-6 with 6:27 to go in the half.
But the Tigers weren’t done yet.
After forcing a Big Red punt, the Tigers matched 62 yards in four play to extend their lead on a Masen Fisher to Baier 39-yard toss.  
Another Missouri Valley turnover on its next play from scrimmage set up Baier up for 45-yard touchdown run on the Tigers next snap to make the score 26-6 going into halftime.
Baier added a four-yard TD run in the third quarter and a nine yarder and a 23 yarder in the fourth quarter to cap his big night with five TDs and 271 yards rushing on 28 caries and 74 yards receiving and a TD on four receptions.
“He’s such a special kid,” Nordeen said of his senior running back. “He’s great kid to be around. He leads this team. He does more than what everyone sees on the field. He has love for his offensive lineman and this community and he’s there for everybody.”
For the game, Red Oak tallied 428 yards, including 274 rushing. Fisher finished 6-of-10 passing for 154 yards and a touchdown.
The Tigers defense was just as good. Through three quarters, they held the Big Reds to 104 total yards and four first downs. Missouri Valley also wasn’t helped by two turnovers and 13 penalties.
“That’s my baby,” Nordeen said of the defense. “I was upset we gave up that swing pass touchdown. Our guys knew they were in the wrong position. We practiced that all week. That happens. We pride ourselves on defense. We bend but we don’t break, and we control the ball on offense. The defense did their job.”
Brody Bond led the defense with nine tackles, including seven solo stops and a tackle for loss. Baier added eight stops and Nolan Perrien had four tackles for loss, including a sack.
The Tigers (2-3) return to action Friday at Shenandoah (2-3) in a rivalry showdown. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.