Huesman, Raiders dominate PJP II

After every Baylor score at Heywood Stadium, the Red Raiders supporters fire a cannon from atop the press box. At halftime Friday night, they may have been scrambling for more ammunition.

Behind a nearly perfect showing from junior quarterback Jacob Huesman, Baylor scored touchdowns on each of its six first-half possessions on its way to a 51-7 Division II-AA win over visiting Pope John Paul II that was every bit as lopsided as the score.

"We talked about starting quickly," Baylor coach Phil Massey said. "We actually did a couple of things differently today. We got here early and did our walk-throughs and meetings around 2 to make sure we would be ready to play."

Mission accomplished.

The stats were staggering from the first half. Baylor (6-2, 3-2) outgained PJP II 371-51 and held a 13-3 edge in first downs on its way to a 44-0 lead at the break.

And offensively, Huesman was in the middle of almost all of it. He completed 7 of 8 passes for 88 yards and connected with Matthew Oellerich and Mack Ferguson for touchdowns.

On the ground, Baylor effortlessly operated the option with limitless success. Huesman had seven carries for 167 yards and two scores when he kept the ball, and backfield mate Sam Williams made the most of his chances with nine rushes for 87 yards and a touchdown.

"The blocking was outstanding," Huesman said for the secret to Baylor's success running the option. "There were holes everywhere, and most of the time they were gaping.

"You love to see that."

The defense refused to allow the visitors even a crack. The Red Raiders did not allow them across midfield in the decisive first half, got interceptions from David Helton and Nic Bullard that led to touchdowns and limited PJP II (2-6, 0-5) to 129 total yards.

"I'm really proud of the way we came out and executed and took care of things from the start," Massey said. "That first half was probably the best half of football we have played this year."

The successful start allowed Baylor to use a variety of players in the second half. Oellerich -- the Red Raiders' do-it-all sophomore who starts at receiver and holder -- moved to quarterback in the third quarter and added a 54-yard touchdown run on yet another option call to push the lead to 51-0.

Senior reserve quarterback Chuck Hudson closed out the game for Baylor, taking his turn operating the option for 16 yards on three carries. Baylor finished with 395 yards rushing on 33 carries and 483 total yards on just 43 offensive plays.

"We got to play some folks and some fun tonight," Massey said, "because we came out and took care of business."