Totino-Grace, longtime school rival and one of the best teams in the state, no longer competes in the BSM football team’s section, having moved from section 4A to 5A. With both schools contending for championships at different levels, BSM will no longer have to face Totino-Grace in the section tournament, giving the players high hopes for success this year.
Without TG to worry about during the postseason, the players are optimistic they can win a state title. “I feel very good about the team’s chances of making it to state,” said senior kicker Paul Graupner.
Some fans may have wanted to see the Eagles and Red Knights go head-to-head in the postseason, but the BSM football players are glad the pressure is off. “As much as we would like to go through Grace [in the playoffs], we will take advantage of the lightened load,” said senior quarterback Isaiah Gray.
The loss of Totino-Grace allows the Red Knights to focus on other skilled schools such as Spring Lake Park, a potential threat to the team’s success. “Spring Lake Park will most likely be the team to beat in our section,” said senior offensive center Mike Mahoney, one of the team’s captains.
Even with Spring Lake Park’s talent, the Red Knight’s have confidence knowing there is skill on both offense and defense. Seniors such as wide senior receiver Joe Sutton, senior running back Jack Naughtin, and junior defensive end Aidan Fawcett provide the team with enough skill for success. “I feel like having the talent that we have on our team makes my job a lot easier,” said Gray. “With the athletes that we have, we will be explosive on both sides of the ball.”
High-talent athletes have also appeared from unexpected grades, like sophomore quarterback Keaton Studsrud, who has proven he can face difficult teams like TG and stand up to pressure. “I felt good on the field. It’s nerve-wracking, but I was pretty excited,” said Studsrud.
With high hopes and an eye on the state title, the Red Knights are primed for an exciting season. “[It] should be a great season for us and the fans,” said Gray.
