Cardinals’ Baker easy to root for

By Pat Dailey
BDN Sports Editor
pdailey@bransondailynews.com

The arrival of Jeremy and Brandon Mahoney to Branson could lead to Webb City running back Braxton Baker’s departure to Gallaudet Uni-versity in Washington D.C. in a couple years.

Upon Webb City coach John Roderique telling me of Baker’s ability to star despite being deaf, I informed him of the Mahoneys’ older brother, Ryan, a deaf linebacker at Gallaudet.

Roderique was interested to learn of Gallaudet, which is recognized as the world leader in education for deaf and hard-of-hearing undergrads. The Bison compete in football, baseball, basketball, soccer and swimming. They’re 1-3 on the gridiron, with Ryan Mahoney contributing 9.5 tackles thus far.

Roderique plans to do research on schools such as Gallaudet, as Baker has emerged as a prospect to play at the next level.

Baker ranks third among southwest Missouri’s leading ground gainers with 817 yards rushing on 113 carries. He’s averaging 7.2 yards a carry and has 11 touchdowns.

“He’s a success story and what high school football is all about,” Roderique said. “He’s overcome a lot, but has never let his handicap with his hearing hold him back. There have been some times in which his hearing aid has gotten knocked out and he’s had to search for it on the field.

“It does create some challenge for us. But it’s certainly worth all of it for how hard he plays. He’s having a great year and you feel good for him. He’s a real blessing for us. He practices hard every day.”

Even with his hearing aid, Baker is partially death. His best way to understand what play is being called in Webb City’s huddle is by reading lips. To that end, Roderique said the Cardinals’ quarterback, Mack Kyle, deserves credit for helping Baker succeed.

“There have been some mistakes because of things (Baker) didn’t hear, but (Kyle) does a good job making sure he understands what the play is,” Roderique said.

However, Baker is basically on his own in regard to what count the center-snap is on. Obviously, he can’t read Kyle’s lips while the latter is barking out signals. Somewhat remarkably, when Kyle has called for an audible, Baker has been able to adjust accordingly.

“His visual reactions are very good,” Roderique said. “We’re a team that calls a play at the line of scrimmage once in a while. He’s been able to recognize that and pick up on it.”

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