Recap: In a game played in snow and cold at Osseo High School, Becker (11-1) made adjustments first. Becker quarterback Michael Veldman threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to lead the Bulldogs attack. Senior C.J. Schwintek gained most of his 100 yards rushing for the Bulldogs between the 20-yard-lines. At the goal line they turned to running back Beau Pauly, who scored touchdowns on runs of 1, 7 and 2 yards. Becker’s defense allowed only two Stewartville drives to cross midfield in the first half.
Key of the game: Stewartville (10-2) cut the lead to 12-6 late in the first half, but Becker answered with just 18 seconds left. Veldman, a senior, scored on a 6-yard touchdown and then ran for the two-point conversion to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to 20-6 at halftime. The Bulldogs offensive line helped Becker amass nearly 200 total yards in the first half.
Quote: “We knew if we played physical with them we could stop their running game. All of our defensive linemen got into it right away.’’ — Dillon Radunz, Becker defensive end
One thing to know: This is Becker’s 14th trip to the state tournament and seventh time in the championship game. Each appearance was with the leadership of Dwight Lundeen, the only head coach in program history. Becker won its only state title in 2005.
BRIAN JERZAK
Becker outgained Stewartville by a nearly two-to- one margin in yardage in the first half to build a lead it never relinquished in a 39-20 victory.
Quarterback Michael Veldman ran for a touchdown and threw for another to lead the offense in the game Saturday at Osseo High School.
Stewartville had trouble getting anything consistent going on offense. The defensive line for the Bulldogs knocked down passes, pressured and sacked the Tigers' quarterback, and forced and recovered fumbles.
It was more of the same in the second half Becker’s defense linebacker Beau Pauly led a Bulldog defense whose starters only allowed Stewartville to cross the 50 twice.
Pauly scored three rushing touchdowns.
Check back later for more on the game.