Adams County Christian School offensive lineman Tim Baker is an avid fan of historic battles. He was involved in quite a few as a member of the Rebel football team, and faring well enough to earn a scholarship to Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Baker also was near the head of his class in the classroom, maintaining a 3.5 grade point average and scoring a 25 on his ACT.

&uot;Before I knew I would get anything in athletics, I knew I had to work on my academics,&uot; Baker said. &uot;My parents always stressed academics the whole time I was in school.&uot;

Baker’s credentials are good enough to earn him AC’s nomination as scholar-athlete for the 19th annual National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Miss-Lou Chapter banquet Feb. 24.

&uot;It’s nice to be recognized and a big honor,&uot; Baker said. &uot;It takes away from the old dumb jock adage.&uot;

The banquet will be held at the Radisson Natchez Eola Hotel at 7 p.m.

Baker played center, defensive tackle and offensive tackle for the Rebels. He was selected Best Offensive Lineman, first team All-Metro and All-District.

Baker earned the football academic award last year and the Academic Betterment Competition for American History and World History.

Baker said he felt playing football helped him in the classroom.

&uot;It helped me stay focused,&uot; he said.

Baker, the son of John and Lynn Baker, is an active member of Parkway Baptist Church and belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Students, Parkway Baptist Youth Group and was in the Mississippi Youth Legislature three years.

Baker was named first team All-MPSA South AAAA and first team All-Metro.

Baker, who scored a 24 on his ACT, plans on majoring in history.

&uot;I love studying about the Civil War and World War II. Football is a lot like war. You have to be prepared going into both. And then it’s a battle to see who is the best.&uot;