every year so early in the playoffs just made me want to make it farther even more . It ’ s made me into a hard worker and a better person overall from just the fact of accepting loss and moving on . I feel like we are a deep playoff team this year , as long as we don ’ t get over our heads and get cocky . If we continue to get better every week in every position , we will be a threat in the playoffs . Everyone just needs to keep putting all their effort into the game .”
Baker is all about hard work . As the leader of the team , he has to set the example not just by putting up elite numbers but through hard work on and off the field . “ During summer we work our butts off , and I continue to lift and do agility ’ s almost every day during season too . I never get satisfied because I know I can be better . I feel like the best aspect of me on offense is how I can break tackles and run through defenders . I ’ m a head on runner .” Connor isn ’ t lying . He has a knack for breaking tackles and eluding defenders as well as anyone I ’ ve seen at the high school level . That ability leads to success for Pocahontas and frustration for opposing teams .
It ’ s no secret that every game plan has to center around Baker for all of the Redskins opponents . There ’ s no way to stop him but teams simply hope to contain him . That obviously places a huge target on number fours back yet Baker never seems to cave to the pressure of being the top dog . “ I have never really felt pressure because of it . I just know to go out there and play the game like I always have . My offensive line is a hard-working group of boys . They work their butts off to make sure the backs in the backfield aren ’ t getting hit . The fullbacks have a huge roll with blocking and sometimes receiving on our offense as well . My running back Reagon Womack is a work horse , and my receivers have gotten better throughout the summer . We have become a two-dimensional offense . Those boys help take tons of the pressure off of the target on my back .”
Connor knows his days of suiting up on Friday nights and wearing the number four at least at Pocahontas are close to coming to an end . It ’ s bitter sweet . “ It ’ s not a good feeling because I know I am going to miss it . I ’ ll miss my teammates , coaches , and the atmosphere of Pocahontas . But , I am ready to play at the next level of football .” When asked what his plans are Connor has options . Primarily because Baker is also a great defender . He racked up 100 plus tackles last season to go along with his superb offensive output . “ I plan to play college football , but I haven ’ t decided on where and what side of the ball I would like to play .” I am not sure where Baker will end up . What I can tell you is that they are going to get a really solid talent . They are also going to get a young man that is humble and hard working . That ’ s a deadly combination . I ’ d have to think that it is attributes any college coach would be looking for . Until then , I am going to enjoy watching Connor Baker play his final games at Pocahontas . I ’ d encourage any and all NEA fans to make their way over to Wear Schoonover Stadium . If you don ’ t , you will be missing out on an immense talent .