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BLOOMING PRAIRIE – In Blooming Prairie, football is a way of life and it goes well beyond competing for section championships on an annual basis.

Although that is a big part of it.

BP’s physical senior duo of Owen Krueger, an offensive and defensive lineman who has committed to Division II Minnesota State University-Moorhead, and Lukas Loverink, who can play almost any position on the field, have both learned how to fit in and how to compete as Awesome Blossoms.

Six years ago the pair were at New Richland-HEG, but Krueger came to BP as an eighth grader and Loverink followed him last year.

“Everyone is a lot more friendly (in BP). When I was at New Richland, they didn’t treat me or Lukas the best and that’s one of the main reasons I came here. It’s been great here,” Krueger said. “When Lukas moved here (last year), we had that connection and we bonded instantly. Whenever we do live one-on one-drills, it’s always Lukas and I against each other. It’s very intense, there’s a lot of talking and he goes 110 percent every time.”

Loverink had to play JV last season due to a transfer rule, and he has enjoyed being reunited with Krueger, who he played with in seventh grade at NRHEG. Loverink has embraced his role with the Blossoms and he’s loving it in BP.

“It’s a very welcoming community and the parents are amazing with how involved they are with the team,” Loverink said.

BP head coach Chad Gimbel said that Loverink’s presence has made BP a much more physical and versatile team on offense. Loverink has lined up at quarterback in what Gimbel Calls the “fat” (wildcat) formation and he has also been a receiver on passes down field and jet sweeps. On defense, Loverink plays defensive line and linebacker. Krueger is a four year starter who is a fixture in the middle of the field on both sides of the ball.

“Owen’s been through it all and seen it all. I was very impressed the way he worked through an injury last year. He moves guys around in there without a doubt and he gives us a lot of effort,” Gimbel said. “Lukas brings an aggressive edge and we’re a lot more physical with him. He’s been a good addition in that aspect. What we’re finding is that a lot of teams are starting to double team him and that creates opportunities for other guys.”

While Krueger’s name doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet, he does a lot of the dirty work in the trenches to keep the Blossoms high powered offense moving.

BP (6-1 overall) averages 41.4 points per game.

“It’s fun to just go out there to bury the guy in front of you and make sure your running back and quarterback never get touched,” Krueger said. “That’s always the goal at the end of the day.”

Krueger hopes to finish strong with the Awesome Blossoms this fall and he’s very much looking forward to playing with MSUM next season, where he’s set to play on the offensive line.

“It’s just amazing to get there,” Krueger said. “I worked hard for that over the last four years in the offseason and during the season. When I made my game day visit, I could talk to all of their coaches and players like we were friends. They’re all very knowledgeable.”

MSUM is off to a 2-3 overall start to the season.

The Blossoms will host Faribault Bethlehem Academy in their regular season finale at 7 p.m. Wednesday.