LG’s Baker Snags Two Interceptions, Earns County Athlete of Week Honor
Fayette Co. Record’s Athlete of the Week
La Grange football player Dana Baker grabbed two interceptions as the Leopards’ defensive back in a 34-0 win against Gonzales last Friday.
Baker also competed in the most recent state track championships held at the University of Texas.
“He’s been the main-stay offensively this year and our Z receiver,” said La Grange head football coach Matt Kates. “Senior three-year letterman that is willing to do anything we need him to do. Stepped up last year and played both ways. Played a really good cornerback position for us last year and really done a good job this year too. Been able to get some different guys on the field and the other night, once again, stepped up for us at corner and goes and makes two picks for us. He’s a team player through and through. Just proud of the performance he had the other night for sure. It was well warranted.” Baker’s knack for defense has earned him a nomination for this edition’s Player of the Week.
Question: Which sport would you say you’re better at, track or football and why?
Answer: “Probably track because I can show off all my speed there. It’s more of an individual sport and I can show that I’m faster than people. In football, it’s not just worrying about my speed, it’s about scoring and playing with your team.”
Question: What are the keys to being a good defender in football?
Answer: “Technique, practicing, knowing what job you have to do. Just staying focused all week in practice and maintaining it on the football field on Friday nights.”
Question: Who’s an NFL defensive back you model your game after?
Answer: “I would say Trevon Diggs.”
Question: What was it like participating in the state track championships last year at the University of Texas?
Answer: “It was wonderful. I loved it. I loved the energy there. We broke records there and got second place, so that was a big accomplishment.”
Question: How fast can you run a 40-yard dash?
Answer: “4.5”
Question: Who’s your favorite fictional character?
Answer: “Spongebob”
Question: If you could have your dream job, what would it be?
Answer: “Training or coaching.”
Question: What song do you listen to the most?
Answer: “I listen to a lot of them, so I don’t really have one.”
Question: What would you do if you won the lottery?
Answer: “First, I would help my grandma get out of the house we’re in now. Do a lot of building, get into a big house, get me a new car, stuff like that. A lot of shoes.”
Question: How does La Grange football stand out from other programs?
Answer: “We’re just different here. We do a lot of things different. We’re just different than other schools.”
With Baker’s speed and athleticism, he’s a good fit anywhere on the football field.
Recent FCR’s Athlete of the Week
Sept. 3: Mattie Konvicka, Fayetteville volleyball
Sept. 10: Fidel Venegas, Flatonia football
Sept. 17: Mallory Krause, RT-C volleyball
Sept. 24: Karli Siptak, Flatonia volleyball
Oct. 1: Jordan Sommer, Schulenburg volleyball
Oct. 8: Keisean Johnson, Schulenburg football
Oct. 15: Camille Gonzalez, La Grange volleyball
Oct. 22: Tyler Ryba, Schulenburg football
* As we begin a new year of county player of the week features, read about the new honorees in our Friday editions and then watch their interviews on our Facebook page a few days later.