Brotherly Love Before Game and After for Beckmanns

It’s a family dilemma with no easy answers.

On Friday night, sophomore strong safety Phil Beckmann of Notre Dame High will try to tackle his brother, senior running back Randy Beckmann of Burroughs, in a nonleague game at Notre Dame.

“It’s going to be really weird,” Phil said.

Added Randy: “It’s going to be a Beckmann pride game.”

In the middle are parents Barry and Kimberly Beckmann.

Asked how he’s dealing with the prospect of one son taking on another, Barry said, “I’m going to pray.”

No one expected this meeting to happen.

Phil, 5 feet 11 and 165 pounds, was the quarterback for Notre Dame’s freshman team last season and anticipated playing on the junior varsity.

But his improvement over the summer as a quarterback and defensive back prompted a promotion to the varsity. Now he gets to face Randy, a 6-1, 190-pound two-way starter.

“I’ve never gone against him before,” Phil said. “He’s pretty tough.”

Said Randy: “I imagine it will be fun. Someone’s going to have big-time bragging rights.”

The parents plan to wear neutral clothing and perhaps sit on both sides of the field.

On Friday, the brothers plan to have breakfast together and wish each other luck.

Whatever happens, Phil said he will tell his brother afterward, “I still love you.”

Ditto for Randy.