Turnovers prove to be costly mistakes as C-SC football squad drops season opener at Baker

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — The difference in national rankings between the Baker and Culver-Stockton College football teams will remain for predominantly one reason.

Mistakes.

No. 22 C-SC made too many, and No. 13 Baker capitalized on them.

C-SC committed three turnovers, two of which led directly to touchdowns, and allowed a safety during a 26-14 loss in the season opener Saturday at Liston Stadium.

Baker recovered a muffed punt inside the C-SC 10-yard line in the first quarter, and two plays later, Cole Fisher scored on a 2-yard run for a 7-0 lead. Baker led 10-0 at halftime, but C-SC seemed to find its footing offensively on the opening drive of the second half.

A 31-yard touchdown pass from Jase Orndorff to Slayton Ochoa capped a 71-yard drive — C-SC had 96 total yards in the first half — to trim Baker’s lead to 10-7.

Baker extended the lead to 12-7 when Orndorff was sacked in the end zone on a third down play. Baker capitalized on the ensuing free kick, marching 52 yards in 10 plays and getting a 6-yard TD run from Sam Heggeman for a 19-7 lead.

C-SC lost a fumble near midfield on the next possession, and another fumble set up Baker’s final touchdown. Orndorff was sacked and Baker recovered his fumble at the 1-yard line and scored on the next play for a 26-7 lead.

Orndorff connected with Mason Hackmann on a 6-yard TD pass with 14 seconds left in regulation.

Orndorff completed 19 of 40 passes for 249 yards and two scores, but he was sacked five times. Ochoa and Eppinger each caught four passes. Tyler Danzey finished with 40 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Junior safety Daniel Hernandez had 11 tackles and an interception for the C-SC defense.