Big plays proved to be the difference as No. 17 Baker scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams to defeat St. Ambrose 52-0 Saturday afternoon in Baldwin City, Kan.

In their first road game of the season, the Bees actually ran 15 more plays than the Wildcats but could never gain momentum after falling behind early.

After St. Ambrose came up empty on its opening possession, the Bee defense limited Baker to a field goal following a 12-play drive. That would prove to be the only time SAU would keep Baker out of the end zone in the first half.

A blocked punt would give the Wildcats a 10-0 lead. Then, after SAU marched into Baker territory, a pick-six would push the margin to 17-0. The Bees pieced together an 11-play, 71-yard drive but would stay off the scoreboard as Joe Namio's 25-yard field goal sailed wide left.

Baker would score touchdowns on its next two offensive possessions to go in front 31-0. An 80-yard punt return for a score and a touchdown pass in the closing seconds would give the Wildcats a 45-0 lead at the half. Baker would add a fourth-quarter touchdown to account for the final score.

Kaden King was a bright spot for the Bee offense. He carried the ball 19 times for 81 yards, an average of 4.3 yards per attempt. Brady Piper rushed for 25 yards.

Tomele Staples completed 15 passes for 123 yards. Mikey Hellwig was his top target, hauling in eight passes for 64 yards. Henry Wilson caught four balls for 32 yards. Kameron Bohnsack, Braden Downs and Jalen Coleman each had one reception.

Colin Gudella led the defense with nine total tackles. George Litgen III was in on eight tackles. Jonathan Thurman was credited with six tackles, Jake Strater had five and Nolan Obert four.

SAU will visit William Woods next Saturday.