The Baker Hornets are 5-0 for the first time since 1973 after a 33-20 win over Class 7A, Region 1 rival Daphne on Friday night.

The ninth-ranked Hornets were as explosive as ever on offense, but special teams and defense were also key to one of the Hornets’ most impressive win of the season.

“This was such a team effort,” said Baker coach Steve Normand. “We had some kids who were hurt on defense, but they played so hard. We knew we had to keep scoring points.”

That is never a problem for the Hornets.

Senior quarterback Josh Flowers, a Mississippi State commit, was dominant as a runner and a passer. He carried the ball 21 times for 127 yards and two short touchdowns. He also completed 14-of-19 passes for 226 yards and two more scores.

Auburn commit Bryce Cain caught six of those passes for 136 yards, with fourth-quarter scores of 54 and 34 yards. Troy commit Kevin Beckham Jr. caught eight for 90 yards.

But the defense also did its part, limiting the Trojans to no first downs in the first 17 minutes of the game on the way to a 17-0 halftime lead.

Daphne battled back in the second half but never got closer than 11 points to the Hornets.

Play of the Game: For all the standout performances by Baker, the play of the game was turned in by Daphne receiver John Davis. Trailing 33-12 late in the game, Daphne moved 80 yards in six plays. The touchdown came on a 20-yard pass from Jamar Malone to Davis, who leaped high in the air to snag the pass above the leaping defensive back. Davis made all six of his catches in the fourth quarter for 70 yards. Malone finished 16-of-27 for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

By The Numbers: Baker’s offense was incredibly balanced. The Hornets ran the ball 37 times for 212 yards, while passing 19 times for 226 yards. Daphne rushed 18 times for 132 yards while passing for 161 yards.

Game ball: The Baker pass rush was relentless all night, led by senior Dillon Hudson.

“Our defense is a bunch of hard workers who also play disciplined football,” said Hudson, who played middle linebacker for most of the night instead of on the edge due to injuries to other players.

Coachspeak: “We didn’t start fast enough,” said Daphne coach Kenny King. “We kept our defense on the field too long, which you can’t do against Baker.”

They Said It: “We didn’t get complacent,” Flowers said. “Our coaches trust our players, and we stuck to what was working. With our wide receivers, I know I just have to give them a shot.”

They Said It: “We have all the confidence in the world,” Cain said. “Our running game was working. As soon as we started drawing the safeties up, we knew we could take our shots.”

Next week: Both teams are at home next week for what should be tough non-region games. Baker (5-0) will host Dothan, which entered this weekend ranked No. 7 in the state in Class 7A. Daphne (3-2) will entertain neighboring rival Spanish Fort.