Baker has ankle sprain for SHS

Baker px 13.jpg [1]

SHS running back Preston Baker (2) has a grade three ankle sprain and will return to the team at some point this season. (Photo by Kim Murrell, SDN)

The Starkville Yellowjackets needed to hear some good news during their open week.

On Monday, the Jackets got it concerning running back Preston Baker.

Baker, the leading receiver and second-leading rusher for the Jackets, suffered what initially looked like a severe injury to his lower leg in last Friday's 47-22 loss to West Point.

X-rays taken after the game were negative and an MRI was performed on Monday showed that Baker had a grade three ankle sprain.

Starkville coach Jamie Mitchell was happy to find out that Baker will return to the team at some point this season.

"We know we are going to get him back, but it's just going to be a while," Mitchell said. "That (news) couldn't have come at a better time because we do have two full weeks before we play another game."

Baker leads the Jackets with eight catches for 180 yards and four touchdowns, while he is second in rushing with 106 yards on 25 carries and two scores.

Starkville opens the Class 5A, Region 2 part of its schedule on Sept. 21 with a road trip to Lanier.