Like Father, Like Son

Pedigree doesn’t mean everything, but it sure does give you a sense of security. And, if pedigree is what you are looking for in a running back, look no further then Ashland’s Quenton Baker. Quenton’s father, Al was a standout high school athlete and was able to excel in college. Opponents should know, the apple doesn’t fall from the tree, because Quenton looks to have the potential to be just as good as his father and will only get better over the next two and a half years

Al Baker

Al, a running back at Trigg County from ’81-’85, still holds the school rushing record after rushing for 5,396 yards, accumulating 51 touchdowns and having 33 games where he eclipsed the hundred yard mark. Al averaged 7.4 yards per carry. Football wasn’t the only sport that Al shined in, he was a two time State Champion in track and field, winning the 100 meter and 200 meter championship with times of 10.7 and 21.89 respectively. Al wasn’t just fast, he was strong as well, excelling in power lifting winning several championships. When al graduated, he was power cleaning 275 pounds, benching 360 pounds, squatting 600 pounds, and dead lifting 585 pounds.

Al, of course, went on to an outstanding career at the University of Kentucky where he garnered All-SEC honors. And had a short stint in the NFL before injury cut his professional career way too short. Al now lives in Ashland where he works for Ashland Community and Technical College.

 

Quenton Baker

Is Quenton better then Al? The best answer is, not yet. Not yet, but the possibilities are there and Quenton has shown the ability in his first full year of high school football. As a freshman, Quenton rushed for, just shy of, one thousand yards, in a season that was cut short due to minor injuries. In nine games Quenton accumulated 932 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 11.3 yards per carry surpassing his fathers 7.4 career average. Quenton had his break out game versus Russell, rushing for 227 yards and claiming his spot at Ashland feature back for the foreseeable future. Quenton also surpassed the two-hundred yard rushing mark versus county rival, Boyd County with 206 yards.

Quenton did not show that he was faster then his father in his freshman year, but he was a freshman that posted a 100 meter time of 11.24. He has three more years to improve upon that time. His father’s mark may be in jeopardy before Quenton is done.

 

What does Quenton’s Sophomore year hold? The season is early, but he has already demonstrated his ability rushing for 236 yards in 13 attempts and two touchdowns in the season opener versus Newport Central Catholic. And, anyone that has seen him in person knows that he has the potential to be great.

What will Quenton do in his junior season? His senior season? We will have to wait to see that, but one thing is for sure, he will be fun to watch and track over his career. Will Quenton surpass the career rushing mark of his father - 5,396? Will Quenton be faster then then the 10.7 100 meter his father accomplished? Will Quenton play at a D1 college like his father? All great questions, but we have to wait for Quenton to answer them and he has a few years to do that. Stay tuned.

Quenton Baker Highlight Video

Edited September 4, 201313 yr by Ram

Nice article Ram, enjoyed that.

Good stuff. Al is a very humble person but I know he is excited to see his son achieve greatness on the field.

 

When Al was a senior at Trigg County, Howard Schnellenberger landed a helicopter on the front lawn of the school to make a school visit. Ohio State sent Archie Griffin to speak at the football banquet Al's senior year in hoping to sway him north of Lexington. Al told me Florida was his #2 choice behind UK.

 

Thanks to The Scribe for the sided-by-side comparison.

Don't know how I missed this one. Great article, I certainly remember the father playing at U.K. Ashland certainly has a very special player in Baker. Speed on top of speed, what a future this kid has !