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Dominating running game helps Becker outpace Delano

By Ryan Williamson, SportsEngine, 10/28/17, 8:15AM CDT

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Sidney Boros led the Bulldogs with 226 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.



Becker senior Sidney Boros splits a pair of Delano defenders on a rush during the first half Saturday night. Boros scored twice for the Bulldogs in their 36-28 victory over the Tigers. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine


Becker senior Alex Blomgren goes straight up the middle for a first half touchdown against Delano. The Bulldogs advanced to the Class 4A, Section 6 final with a 36-28 victory over the Tigers. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

When Becker’s 2016 regular season came to an end, the Bulldogs had a sour taste in their mouths.

The No. 1 seed in Class 4A, Section 6 lost following a first-round bye to Big Lake in the section semifinals. The loss meant no chance for a three-peat for the 2014 and 2015 state champions.

This season, Becker played its first-round section game and won to advance to Saturday’s semifinal. Then, the Bulldogs got to play spoiler as Becker defeated Delano, which is ranked No. 9 in the Class 4A Associated Press poll, 36-28 at Delano High School to advance to next Friday’s section final.

Looking at the Bulldogs (6-4), one major difference from a season ago is the man under center. This season, quarterback Josh Fobbe has taken the reins despite being only a sophomore.

Thankfully for the young quarterback, he has a strong running game behind him. That was evident in Saturday’s win with the play of senior running back Sydney Boros, who ran for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

Aside from his rushing numbers being eye-raising, Boros came through at opportune times. He scored on a 68-yard scamper in the third quarter, giving his team back the lead a play after the Tigers had scored a touchdown of their own.

“This [turf] field and these conditions are perfect for a guy like [Boros],” said Becker coach Dwight Lundeen. “He has had a tremendous season and it really showed tonight.”

Aside from Boros’ potent running attack, Becker got contributions from a few different runners. Fobbe picked up 23 yards and a touchdown. Another senior back, Alex Blomgren, helped pick up the slack in short-yardage plays with 38 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.

In the air, the Bulldogs found themselves much more mistake prone. Fobbe threw two interceptions in the win.

Delano (7-2) capitalized on Fobbe’s first interception in the opening quarter. Junior fullback Caden Link finished off a long drive to give the Tigers an early 8-0 lead.

Much like Becker, Delano found trouble in the air. Despite senior quarterback Mike Shoultz throwing for 204 yards, his three interceptions turned the tide in the Bulldogs’ road win.

“I didn’t think we played real smart,” said Delano coach Merrill Pavlovich. “When you turn the ball over like we did, it makes it tough.”

To go along with being turnover-prone, the Tigers also regularly received poor field position thanks to Becker’s strong punting.

That punting attack was led by who else but Fobbe, who had four punts that went for 146 yards. In his second year of punting, Fobbe pinned Delano inside the 10-yard-line on three of his four kicks.

“That’s probably the most we’ve punted all season,” Lundeen said of his team’s four-punt performance. “I like to go for it on fourth down. Tonight, we had to punt so we didn’t risk putting them in a good position to score.”

With his various skills being showcased on the field, Fobbe proved to be more mature despite his age. As Lundeen admitted after the game, having a player of Fobbe’s ability can make a coach’s job easier.

“He’s a great athlete that has played 10 strong games for us so far,” Lundeen said. “He makes me a look a lot smarter when he’s on the field.”

Following the win, Becker will play in the section final next Friday at Monticello High School. Their opponent will be the team that ended their season a year ago, Big Lake.

As the Bulldogs begin their preparations for this all-important game, Becker will not only be coming off a big-time win but will have previous experience to lean on. The Bulldogs have yet to lose a game away from home this season.

“Everyone has a chip on their shoulder,” Fobbe said. “Last year was really disappointing. This year, we’ve come in hungry and ready to play, especially our seniors.”


Delano wide receiver Calvin Wishart leaps for a spectacular one-handed grab against Becker Saturday night. Despite the effort, the Tigers fell short to the Bulldogs 36-28. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

First Report

With the temperature hovering right around freezing, Becker turned to the run game. That strategy — along with a few timely turnovers — helped the Bulldogs defeat second-seeded Delano (7-2) 36-28 to advance to the Class 4A, Section 6 final on Saturday night.

Becker (6-4) was paced by a strong ground game that was led by senior running back Sidney Boros. He ran for 226 yards a pair of touchdowns, including a 68-yard score in the third quarter that came one play after a Tiger touchdown.

Aside from Boros, sophomore quarterback Josh Fobbe had a rushing TD, and senior Alex Blomgren contributed with two touchdowns of his own.

For the Tigers, who are ranked No. 9 in the Class 4A Associated Press poll, senior quarterback Mike Shoultz helped keep his team in the game with a strong passing game. Shoultz threw for three touchdowns and 204 yards in the loss.

With the win, the Bulldogs advance to the section final, which will take place next Friday.

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