Braves fall to Melrose, 14-12

by John Fragodt, Sports Editor
After twice missing short field goals on the final play of the game, the Benson Braves football team left St. John’s University in a somber mood after suffering a 14-12 loss to Melrose Area in the 2013 season opener.
The Braves fell behind 14-0 as Melrose looked on the verge of a blowout win.  However, after the Dutchmen suffered an injury to one of their best players, Benson took control of the game, pullilng to within 14-12, and had a chance to win the game with a field goal at the end.
After missing wide left on the first try from 27 yards out, the Braves had another chance when Melrose was called for a penalty for running into the holder.  The Braves lined up again, this time from 22 yards out, but Tanner Mikkelson’s field goal try didn’t have a chance as a host of Melrose linemen made their way through the Benson line and blocked the kick before it had a chance to get a few feet off the ground.
And so, instead of a thrilling 15-14 come-from-behind win, the Braves were left with a tough loss which is reminiscent of last season when Benson lost two one-point games during the regular-season and then had their season come to an end when BOLD kicked a winning field goal as time expired to beat Benson in the section semifinals, 23-20.
Photo: Chad Schwarz (52) and Jacob Goff (88) arrive at the Melrose quarterback just after he throws in incomplete pass, while Tanner Mikkelson (77) looks on.