The Becker Bulldog football team captured another title in 7-on-7 football, this time traveling to St. john’s University and beating three quality teams before the sweltering heat put a hold on the final game and the two best teams were declared champions.
Sixteen teams from across the state converged on the campus of St. John’s last Saturday and Becker brought basically the same group of athletes and coaches they rolled out last month at the Vikings tournament.
Coach Dwight Lundeen’s team was positioned in the “American” league with seven other teams while eight other teams were placed in the “National” league. Becker emerged from their league on top as well as Alexandria from the Nationals. The two teams were expected to meet for the final game of the day, but the stifling warmth and windless air caused organizers to declare two champions.
The Bulldogs first took on St. Cloud Apollo and won by 10 points, 28-18. They followed that with a barn-burner, beating the Buffalo Bison by a score of 38-35.
In their finale, the Bulldogs knocked off South St. Paul, 27-18.
“Our boys played well, especially the defense,” said Lundeen, who brought coaches Troy Robinson, Tyler Neidfeldt and Mike Lundeen as assistants.
“We beat three really good teams. I’m really impressed with this group of guys.”
The defense was led by Justin Reichle, Travis Ferris, Sam Ricker, Austin Berning and Jayden Gruba. Lundeen’s other players included Josh Fobbe, Alex Blomgren, Bryce Boser, Lucas Dertinger, Kevin Andres, Kreeden Blomquist, Austin Hemmelgarn, Sidney Boros, Brady Sheeley and Cody Johnson.
“This was our last tournament before our football camp,” said Lundeen. “I’m excited to see what this year’s group of kids does in the fall.”
