After being a backup last year to Park of Cottage Grove starting quarterback Brandon Alt, Brendan Beaulieu switched positions in the offseason for a better chance at playing time. 

The 6-foot-3 junior practiced at wide receiver throughout the offseason, but the coaches ended up needing him back under center after Alt, who was named the quarterback of the Star Tribune’s 2015 preseason metro dream team, was kept out of the lineup for the Wolfpack’s first two games for reasons Park Activities Director Phil Kuemmel couldn’t disclose. 

Described as a team player by his coaches, Beaulieu didn’t hesitate when told of his return to quarterback.

“He’s so selfless,” Wolfpack coach Darin Glazier said. “He maybe wants to be playing a different position right now, but he knows in the best interest of the team that we need him taking those snaps.” 

Beaulieu has made the most of those snaps, completing 30 of 43 pass attempts for 305 yards and three touchdowns in two starts. He threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns on Friday, leading Park a 28-27 victory over South St. Paul in a East Metro Red subdistrict game at Wolfpack Stadium in Cottage Grove. 

As Beaulieu plays more and more, his coach sees continued growth. 

“I love the way he can handle the offense and manage a game,” Glazier said. “He’s the guy right now. He’s the guy and we have 100 percent faith in him.” 

Beaulieu also is becoming more confident in himself thanks to the support of the team surrounding him. 

His backfield, for instance, has been big — literally. 

Senior running backs Michael Griffin and Tolu Ogunrinde, who both are at least 6-0 and weigh more than 200 pounds, have helped guide the offense through the transition.

Against Simley and South St. Paul, Griffin and Ogunrinde combined for 174 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Griffin also has caught six passes for 112 yards and one TD through the first two games. 

“They’ve been very supportive,” Beaulieu said of his offensive teammates. “They are probably my biggest supporters. It has helped tremendously.” 

However, his supporting cast isn’t limited to just offensive players. Cornerback Junior Marnez Trotter sparked the Park defense, returning an interception for a touchdown and recovering a fumble in the game against the Packers. 

“Our defense was huge in this game and it relieves a lot of pressure,” Beaulieu said. “The confidence goes up, too.” 

Although his confidence is rising, Beaulieu realizes he is far from a finished product. 

“I hope to keep developing better passes and become more accurate because I had a couple throws that were off today,” Beaulieu said. “I plan on being more accurate.” 

Quick throws such as flat passes, screens and slants helped Beaulieu gain confidence early against South St. Paul by nullifying the Packers blitz.

Although he is better at throwing shorter passes, Beaulieu opened up the game with a 60-yard pass to Griffin on a fly route - a strike that may have solidified his role as the Wolfpack’s starting quarterback.

“We love the kid,” Glazier said. “He is a smart kid, one we can trust, and the ball is certainly in good hands.” 

Junior quarterback Brendan Beaulieu threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns to lead Park of Cottage Grove to a 28-27 victory over South St. Paul in the East Metro Red subdistrict game at Wolfpack Stadium in Cottage Grove on Friday.

Beaulieu started his second game in place of Brandon Alt, who was named the quarterback of the Star Tribune’s 2015 preseason metro dream team following a breakout sophomore season. Park Activities Director Phil Kuemmel would not disclose why Alt did not play but said the junior was still a member of the team.

The Wolfpack didn’t seem to miss a beat as Beaulieu finished 19-for-29 passing and threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to senior running back Michael Griffin on the third offensive play. Griffin also scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. 

The fast start from Park also translated to defense. Junior cornerback Marnez Trotter returned an interception 36 yards for touchdown and recovered a fumble. 

The Packers offensive attack couldn't find a way to score until late in the second quarter. Senior quarterback Dan Pietruszewski ran for 120 yards on 29 carries and threw a touchdown, which came with 52 seconds remaining in the first half. Pietruszewski completed six of his 15 pass attempts. 

South St. Paul junior Ryan Duffy scored a touchdown on 5-yard run with 1:07 to play in the game, but the ensuing two-point attempt was unsuccessful. 

The Wolfpack improve to 2-0 while the Packers fall to 1-1.

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