Baylor School faced its first road test of the season Friday night and responded with another impressive offensive performance, defeating Rabun Gap-Nacoochee 51-33 in Rabun Gap, Georgia.
The victory moves the Red Raiders to 3-0 and extends their winning streak to 15 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Senior quarterback Keegan Croucher provided the early fireworks, throwing three touchdown passes as Baylor built a commanding first-half advantage. Croucher connected with Antwaun "Cornbread" Adams for a 32-yard touchdown to open the scoring before finding Beckham Stokes for an 80-yard score and Braxton Rein for a 19-yard touchdown.
Croucher also connected with Rein for a 77-yard gain that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by David Gabriel Georges.
The Red Raiders eventually pushed their advantage to 37-14 late in the first half before Rabun Gap returned a fumble 77 yards for a touchdown, cutting Baylor's lead to 37-20 at halftime.
Baylor was forced to adjust in the second half after Croucher did not return to action. Junior Cosmo DeMatteo, who played quarterback before moving to linebacker, stepped in to help guide the Red Raiders the rest of the way.
"I was really proud of our team's response," head coach Erik Kimrey said. "They continue to show character and poise when adversity hits. Cosmo DeMatteo came in and did a great job. He played quarterback up until last year, so I have a lot of confidence in him."
Rabun Gap eventually pulled within 37-27 with 7:11 remaining, but Baylor needed less than a minute to answer.
Gabriel Georges broke loose for a 77-yard touchdown run, delivering the game's decisive response and giving the Red Raiders some much-needed breathing room.
The Tennessee commitment finished another big night with 196 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries, averaging more than 12 yards per attempt.
Baylor's offensive line earned praise from Kimrey for its work against a talented Rabun Gap defensive front.
"Our offensive line continues to improve every week," Kimrey said. "I can't say enough about their grit and toughness. Rabun Gap's defensive line is one of the best in the country, and I thought our guys battled and got better as the game went on."
The Baylor defense also made its presence felt. Cortez Carr, Emery Julien and Khori Faulkner each recorded sacks along with additional tackles for loss as the Red Raiders found ways to slow the Eagles' offense.
The win continues a strong start for Baylor, which has now scored 126 points through its first three games while beginning its state-title defense with three consecutive victories.
The road doesn't get any easier.
Baylor travels to Louisville, Kentucky, next Friday to face Trinity High School as the Red Raiders continue a challenging early-season schedule.
READ MORE: Nationally ranked Baylor 3-0 after another big night for DGG | Chattanooga Times Free Press
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