As we promised when we started easternoregonsports.com, high school sports is more than wins and losses, stats and recaps of games you have already read.

In the first game of the year, Baker blew into Nyssa, took the field and boarded the bus home with a 38-0 victory. Nyssa fans were a bit disheartened after the game, but a non-league game means what?

After finishing 4-6 overall last season, the Bulldogs look to be a much better team this year under first year head coach Jason Ramos.

The Baker defense had the Nyssa offense confused most of the night and special teams picked up one score. The d-line is tough on the run and did not allow Nyssa’s quarterback the time to find receivers.

Upcoming teams will find the Baker offense tough to stop. This is a balanced offense that is able to run and pass at will. At numerous times during the game, Gauge Bloomer appeared stopped, only to squirt away and pick up an additional six or seven yards. Bloomer finished with almost 200 yards.

Quarterback Spencer Shirtcliff is dangerous both with his arm and feet. He threw for two touchdowns, but also was able to pick up much needed yards with the scramble. Shirtcliff has the receivers out there when needed. Riley Flanagan will give opposing teams problems, going across the field at 6 feet, 2 inches. Kaden Meyer is equally dangerous with his speed.

Baker’s defense should provide the offense more than enough time on the field to put up points.

For Nyssa fans, stop worrying.

Lee Long is an experienced coach and has seen games like this in his years of coaching. The Nyssa defense, after giving up too many points in the first half, found themselves in the second half. Play on both side of the ball was sloppy with penalties hurting Nyssa’s chances.

Offensively, Nyssa’s Landon McDowall is a leftie sophomore trying to gain experience behind a line that failed to provide him much time. The line and McDowall will mature and be fine by league play.

Nyssa is a young team with a handful of seniors joined by a large number of juniors. Long has handled teams like this in the past.

The score, depending on the side of the stadium you were sitting, was a success or a nightmare.

Both teams will be in the hunt come league play.