Laurens County Touchdown Club Names Buddy Baker of Laurens Academy Player of the Week for Sept. 8 Games
September 11, 2023
The Laurens County Touchdown Club is proud to announce that for the September 8th games, the Player of the week is Senior Buddy Baker of Laurens Academy. Laurens Academy defeated Oakbrook Prep in dramatic fashion Friday night 36 – 34.
Baker is a senior offensive running back, linebacker and special teams player for the Laurens Academy Crusaders who made significant contributions as they defeated Oakbrook Prep by a score of 36 – 34 with Baker’s late game heroics.
Offensively, Baker had 23 carries for 144 yards: 4 passing receptions for 44 yards and 2 touchdowns. Baker also scored on a two point PAT as well. Defensively, Baker had 3 total tackles with 1 tackle for loss and 1 forced fumble. Most importantly, Baker had the game clinching interception and return of 25 yards with 9 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory for The Crusaders. Additionally, on special teams Baker kicked two successful onside kicks and had one return in the kicking game for 25 yards.
Head Coach Jolly Doolittle stated, “Buddy is everything you expect from a Senior. He leads, he learns, and he loves. Buddy leads with words and actions. He is disciplined in his approach to health and readiness to play the game, has a high football IQ, and loves his teammates. When the game was on the line Friday night, Buddy did what we knew he would – he delivered.”
The Laurens County Touchdown Club will honor Baker on September 21 at the third Touchdown Club meeting of the year. The meeting starts at noon at The Ridge in Laurens. Player of the Week awards this year will be presented by Farm Bureau Insurance of Laurens County.
The September 21st meeting will feature Newberry College Head Football Coach Todd Knight.
The Laurens County Touchdown Club meets every other Thursday throughout the football season at The Ridge located at 301 Exchange Road in Laurens and the public is invited. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15. All meetings begin at noon with the food service line opening at 11:45 am.
