By John Millea
Just as I write this -- from the press box -- I can hear the sound of cleats hitting concrete as the Totino-Grace Eagles walk across the parking lot from the school to the field.
And there goes the Totino-Grace band, kicking the night off with what sounds like the old "Marlboro" theme song. Yes, I am old enough to remember that song...
This field, which is good old-fashioned real grass, drains very well, I am told, thanks to a thick base of sand. I walked across the field a few minutes ago and there are no puddles, no apparent slick spots.
This is an intriguing matchup of 4A teams. Totino-Grace is an old-school 4A powerhouse, capturing 4A state titles in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007.
Becker is in its third year in 4A after moving up from 3A. Becker last went to state in 2006 (in 3A) before moving to 4A a year later. The Bulldogs were 3A state champions in 2005 and were runners-up in 2001, 2004 and 2006.
Becker is more of a passing team than is Totino-Grace, but right now the rain has stopped. If the ball stays dry tonight the Bulldogs should be able to give the Eagles a good test.
We're less than an hour from kickoff.
