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Class 6A All-State Team, Region 1-6A Lineman of the Year, Citizen Tribune All-Lakeway Team. Those are just a few of the individual accolades that precede Max Baker’s name entering his senior football season at Morristown East.

The 67 tackles (13 of them being for loss), six sacks, three forced fumbles and fumble recovery he racked up in his prolific junior season for the ‘Canes set a high bar to be reached this year. So how does he plan to follow that up this year?

“I’m not really too worried about all that stuff. I’m just worried about doing my job on the field, making sure everybody’s doing their thing, we get the win, and all of that will come along with it,” said Baker.

East has made the playoffs twice in Baker’s time at East, in his freshman season in 2020, and last year, his junior year. Those are the only two playoff berths the ‘Canes have earned since 2016.

Baker certainly hasn’t been resting on his laurels this offseason, he has been putting in the work. And similar to his attitude on individual accolades vs. team success, Baker hasn’t been pursuing his quest for improvement alone.

That’s been a consistent message from Baker. As a senior, he has embraced his role as a leader on the team.

“I want the people to know the kind of work that not only I, but all of my boys put in,” Baker said. “A lot of people don’t see it, but we’re all at the field everyday grinding, especially this offseason. People don’t really realize it, they just kind of look over us, but we’ve got such a strong team bond this year; we’re putting in the work and it’s been awesome.”

As a matter of fact, as Baker talked he was sitting in his car in the parking lot of Burke-Toney stadium with teammate and key two-way starter from last season Austin Brannan. The two were there in the afternoon on a Sunday getting ready for some sprints. They’re striving to be the leaders they would’ve wanted as underclassmen.

“I feel like in past years we haven’t had a lot of leadership, but I think the seniors in my class this upcoming year have done a much better job and the new coaches that have come in have done a much better job of keeping us accountable,” Baker said. “In terms of making sure we’re doing the right thing when no one’s watching, making sure we’re just ultimately being good guys and doing the right things.”

Baker expanded on his praise for the new staff.

“It’s been a good transition because all of the coaches seem to work together really well,” Baker said. “Even the coordinators and all of the new coaches he’s brought in are just really smart and really know what they’re doing.”

Kuykendall and his staff will hope to make the most of Baker’s final season at East; but when it comes to plans after the season, Baker is looking to continue to pursue his football career.

“That’s what everybody in my family wants for me,” Baker said. “I love the game, and to get my college paid for that would be awesome. ETSU would be a great school to go to. I love ETSU.”

For now, his focus remains on his final season with his teammates.

“Who’s gonna carry the boats?”

If you visit Max Baker’s Instagram page, that quote is the first thing you’ll see under his name. A philosophy adopted from former Navy SEAL David Goggins.

During Goggins’ time with the SEALS, Goggins and his crewmates were assigned to carry 200-pound inflatable boats through deep sand for hours on end until SEAL candidates collapsed from exhaustion.

As crewmates would drop off, the boat would become heavier for the remaining members of the crew. As Goggins’ teammates would tire and want to quit, Goggins would shout, “Who’s gonna carry the boats?” to ignite his teammates with a renewed power of will.

It’s become a mantra for Baker and his teammates. Be it battling for another rep in the weight room, pushing through during wind sprints or digging deep in the fourth quarter during a tight game, it’s in the back of his mind propelling him forward.

Looking forward, the ‘Canes kickoff the season next Friday at Burke-Toney against crosstown rival West.

Baker has looked great in preparation for the matchup. In East’s jamboree, he picked up a pair of sacks and a pair of pass breakups to go along with a myriad of tackles.

When asked what the fans should expect him to do in the matchup with West Baker’s answer wasn’t surprising.

“You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to carry the boats.”