The Becker Bulldog football team was setting their sights on their first game of the year against Chisago Lakes last Saturday. However, a couple days before, they got word the school was facing some COVID-19-related problems and the game was canceled.

All that planning and all that preparation for a game many of these players, coaches and fans have been waiting for — appeared to be flushed down the drain.

Coach Dwight Lundeen wasn’t going to let that happen.

“We had worked so hard to get ready to play a real game, I just couldn’t let the players down by making them wait another eight or so days to play Delano,” he said.

So Lundeen got on his computer and sent out a group email to 250+ schools to see if any team had an interest in playing his Bulldogs. Almost immediately he got word Spring Lake Park was interested, however the game would have to be on Friday night and on their own home turf.

“No problem, I said,” Lundeen told this reporter.

First Half

Becker wasted little time finding the end zone Friday, as Carter Callahan took a handoff at the 5:40 mark of the first quarter and galloped into the end zone from nine yards out for the game’s first score. A successful two-point conversion from QB Ryan Bengtson to Hunter Klatt made the score 8-0 in favor of the Bulldogs.

In the second quarter, Spring Lake Park tallied their first TD of the year when RB Henry Dennis tumbled over the goal line from one yard out to bring the score to 8-6 at the 9:15 mark. The extra point was good and Becker led 8-7 as the first half wound down.

A great drive by Becker ensued and with just 45 seconds remaining, Callahan once again scored — this time from one yard out — to dent the scoreboard again. Unfortunately, the two-point conversion failed, but the Bulldogs retreated to the locker room after 24 minutes with a 14-7 lead.

Second Half

The third quarter featured much play between the 20s, but neither team could find pay dirt after the break.

In the fourth, SLP broke through when Aaron Clausen scored from one yard out and the extra point failed. Becker still led, 14-13 and they were about to get the ball.

Another great drive from Bengtson and another TD for Callahan sealed the deal with 2:57 left. Callahan tumbled over from three yards out to put the game at 20-13 and the Bulldogs tried once again for a two-pointer. It failed, but the defense held on and Becker departed Spring Lake Park with a 1-0 record on the season.

Bengtson was 9-of-18 for 101 yards and had two interceptions. His counterpart, Clausen, was 7-of-13 for 60 yards and one interception.

Callahan was dynamite, scoring three times on 20 carries for 65 yards. He also led all WRs with three catches for 39 yards.

On defense, Caden Dewall had four tackles, Thomas Halvorson had five tackles as well as Brayden Weber.

Up Next

The Bulldogs head to Delano Friday for a 7 p.m. game. The Tigers lost to Willmar last Saturday by a score of 42-0.

The following week, Becker hosts Big Lake Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.