Becker opened the game with two fumbles and a punt on its first three drives, but the offense looked much different as the game progressed to propel the Bulldogs to the state final. Senior quarterback Andrew Stanger showed the ability to throw the ball deep, connecting with Alex Meidt, a senior receiver, for three touchdowns, including one for 66 yards. Fellow senior Austin Rassmussen returned an interception for a touchdown as Becker topped Stewartville in the semifinal for the second consecutive season.
Key of the game: Becker's defense didn't unravel. Stewartville started all three of its first-quarter drives with great field position. But after giving up a first-quarter touchdown, the Bulldogs limited the Tigers to just one fourth-quarter score. Rassmussen and Meidt recorded first-half interceptions.
Quote: "We knew once we got ahead that we were just going to keep pouring it on. They're a great football team, but they gave us some chances to take some deep shots and we did." – Andrew Stanger
One thing to know: Stewartville senior running back Jordan Johnson was a force, consistently breaking tackles and tallying two touchdowns.
JACK SATZINGER
