Benson Braves

Benson running back Thomas Dineen carries a defender during a Nov. 11, 2020 Mid-State game against Howard Lake-Waverly- Winsted from Brock Field in Benson. West Central Tribune file photo

Braves hope to build on last season

Benson has a strong corps of 12 seniors for 2021

BY MATTHEW CURRY | West Central Tribune

BENSON — The Benson Braves could be on the verge of adding from last season’s success with a large portion of last year’s team returning for the 2021 season. Despite losing 15 seniors, the Braves are returning 26 key players and are looking to be led by 12 seniors.

“With 15 seniors graduating, competition for spots heats up real quick, and that’s a good thing,” said Adam Foslien, who returns for his third year as head coach. “It tends to bring the best out of everyone. We will have players battling right up to the first game for starting spots.”

Benson ended last season with a 4-3 record and the Mid State 4 district regular-season championship. After losing its first game, 35-20, to BOLD, the Braves went on a four-game win streak before dropping back-toback games to end the season.

Benson defensive end Thomas Dineen (15) chases down BOLD quarterback Drew Sagedahl for a sack in the second quarter of an Oct. 9, 2020 game at Brock Field in Benson.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Benson has the task of replacing 15 all-district athletes, including quarterback Cole Hedman, who finished with 792 passing yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Also gone is Ben Peterson, who finished with 327 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 17 catches. Another departure is Ben’s twin brother, Abe Peterson, who led the team with 21 receptions for 456 yards and five touchdowns.

Foslien says Ryan Tolifson, a 6-foot-3-inch 170-pound junior, will be the starting quarterback. Foslien described Tolifson as an athletic and shifty quarterback. While Tolifson did not take a snap as quarterback last season, he rushed 11 times for 54 yards.

Benson will also be returning seven linemen to its roster.

Also back is Thomas Dineen (6-1, 205, Jr.), who figures to be one of the district’s top players. An All-Area selection in 2020, Dineen was the district’s Defensive Lineman of the Year after tallying 44 tackles (8-1/2 for loss) and seven sacks from the end position. At running back, he went off for 929 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Foslien is confident about the upcoming season based on the prep his team has done leading into the regular season.

“We do have many guys who saw varsity time last year, and will need some new guys to step up and contribute,” he said. “We had many guys who really spent quality time in the weight room in the off-season and are excited to see what they can do for us.”

The Braves begin this season on Friday, Sept. 3 at Kimball. The home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle.