Over the past decade, the Blooming Prairie football team created a reputation as a team that could throw early, often and effectively to score a lot of points.

But that identity has slowly changed in recent years.

The Awesome Blossoms have evolved into a football program that is versatile. On its way to its first state title in program history, BP proved it could play smash-mouth football and run between the tackles.It also displayed a passing game that could stretch the field with big plays or keep the defense off-balanced with quick throws.

The balance in BP’s offense was the key to keeping defenses on their heels throughout the fall and it’s likely future BP teams will continue that approach.

While it’s easy to say a team should be balanced, the Blossoms were able to accomplish that feat, thanks to the guys up front. BP’s play-makers made most of the headline plays during their state run, but the team made it’s mark with a smart, physical and effective front line.

Jarrett Payton, an All-Academic honoree, anchored the edge on both lines, and Dylan Nirk and Colton Krell, who have both wrestled in the state meet for the Westfield Razorbacks, provided toughness and discipline inside.Gabe Hagen, an all-around athlete, helped anchor the side opposite of Larson on the defensive line.

Every week, BP head coach Chad Gimbel said the key to winning was to control the line of scrimmage and he was exactly right. BP’s push up front on offense and defense was the key to it all.

The Blossoms took the fight to their opponents, and they won the season with continued physical pressure or ‘R.I.D.’ as their fans exclaimed throughout their title run. That acronym stands for relentless, intensity, determination.

The Blossoms most certainly lived up that standard on the ride of their lives.