MOBILE, Ala. — Baker Farnell didn’t always love football. The St. Luke’s senior lineman says it was simply something to do when he joined the program in kindergarten — but that changed in middle school, and the game has since shaped who he is.
“I feel like football has helped me develop as a leader,” Farnell said. “Now it’s my favorite part of being in school there, getting to play and getting to help those younger teammates.” At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Farnell will play offensive and defensive line for the Wildcats this season, and sometimes linebacker, often facing opponents with a significant size advantage. “In middle school we had a really good team, and it was because of hard work, and I was realizing that really, if you work hard enough in something you will get results,” he said.
First-year head coach Rick Cauley, an assistant on last season’s staff, praised Farnell’s work ethic and the example he sets for the roster. “You can tell he loves it. Loves the way he trains and loves being around the guys,” Cauley said. “It seems like a lifelong thing.” With a small roster, most St. Luke’s players — including some younger teammates — are expected to play both offense and defense, something Cauley said the team embraces rather than resists. “They get upset when they come out of the game,” he said.
Farnell, also a member of the school’s track and tennis teams, said he’s bracing for his first season playing both sides of the ball in every game. “I’m excited for that,” he said. “It’s fun when you get going and you just don’t stop.” Cauley said the Wildcats have had a good summer of preparation. “We really just focus on the day and having a good time and learning and playing ball,” he said. “And it’s just been a lot of fun.”