First Down Classic
| First Down Classic (defunct) | |
|---|---|
| Previous stadiums | Pirate Stadium (2007–2009) Peoples Bank Field (2010) Liston Stadium (2011) |
| Previous locations | Platte City, Missouri (2007–2009) Ottawa, Kansas (2010) Baldwin City, Kansas (2011) |
| Operated | 2007–2011 |
| Championship affiliation | NAIA (2007–2011) |
| Previous conference tie-ins | GSAC (2007) HAAC (2007–2008, 2010–2011) GPAC (2008–2009) AMC (2009) KCAC (2009–2011) |
| Preceded by | Wheat Bowl (1995–2006) |
| Sponsors | |
Victory Sports Network (2007–2011) | |
| Former names | |
College Fanz First Down Classic (2010) | |
| 2011 season matchup | |
| Baker vs. Ottawa (41–17) | |
The First Down Classic was a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics endorsed Pre-Season bowl game created by Jason Dannelly of the Victory Sports Network. It began operations in 2007, taking over for the defunct Wheat Bowl that operated from 1995 until 2006. In 2009, two separate games were played under the same name "First Down Classic". The game ceased operations after completion of the 2011 game.
Game results
[edit]| Date | Winning Team | Losing Team | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 25, 2007 | No. 17 MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers | 59 | Azusa Pacific Cougars | 38 | Platte City, Missouri |
| August 30, 2008 | Doane Tigers | 15 | William Jewell Cardinals | 13 | |
| August 29, 2009 | Avila Eagles | 9 | Doane Tigers | 6 | |
| No. 22 Ottawa Braves | 31 | McKendree Bearcats | 21 | ||
| August 28, 2010 | No. 9 Ottawa Braves | 24 | No. 24 Baker Wildcats | 14 | Ottawa, Kansas |
| August 27, 2011 | No. 23 Baker Wildcats | 41 | No. 10 Ottawa Braves | 16 | Baldwin City, Kansas |
Rankings are from the NAIA Coaches' Poll.
Game details
[edit]2010
[edit]| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Ottawa | 7 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 24 |
The start of the 2010 NAIA football season began at Ottawa University in the College Fanz First Down Classic game between Ottawa and Baker. This game marked the first time the two schools met in football for 17 years. Ottawa began the game by returning the kickoff for a touchdown and led the entire game to a 24–14 victory.[1]
2011
[edit]| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #10 Ottawa | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| #23 Baker | 14 | 3 | 10 | 14 | 41 |
Nationally ranked at #23, Baker University upset #10 ranked Ottawa University in the 2011 match-up played at Liston Stadium in Baldwin City, Kansas. Ottawa scored first when Shane Gimzo completed a 9-yard run for a touchdown with 9:02 remaining in the first quarter. It was the only lead Ottawa would hold for the entire game, which they lost when Baker's Tyler Hatcher ran the kickoff return for 82 yards for a touchdown and Andrew Kimrey completed the PAT kick. Later that same quarter, Baker's Reggie Harris ran a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown to take the lead.
Ottawa managed to get close several times with the score at the end of the first half with Baker leading 16–17.[2]
Baker managed to hold Ottawa scoreless in the second half of play while scoring three touchdowns and a field goal. Baker recovered two fumbles and intercepted three passes to win with a final score of 41–16.[2][3]
Baker Running Back John Babb was named the game's Offensive MVP with 102 rushing yards on 10 attempts, 1 reception for 11 yards, and a Touchdown. Baker Outside Linebacker Adam Steele was named Defensive MVP with 16 tackles (7 Unassisted), 2 Interceptions and One Tackle for Loss.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ DakStats 3000 Baker University at Ottawa University
- ^ a b c "Ottawa (Kan.) at Baker (Kan.)". DakTronics 3000. Daktronics, Inc. August 27, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2011.
- ^ Gillispie, Jimmy (August 11, 2011). "Baker football rolls past Braves in season opener". Baldwin City Signal. Retrieved August 28, 2011.