Brownstown welcomed Bedford North Lawrence and Franklin to town on Saturday for some 7-on-7 competition as well as a lineman challenge at Blevins Memorial Stadium.

It was an opportunity for each team to go up against somebody other than themselves and a chance for the lineman to showcase their power.

The Braves were able to win the lineman challenge with BNL placing second and Franklin third. Both Bedford and Franklin players were impressed at how Brownstown performed during the challenge.

As for the 7-on-7 games, each team played four games. For varsity, Brownstown went 1-3, while BNL and Franklin both went 2-1-1. For junior varsity, Franklin went 4-0, Brownstown 2-2 and Bedford 0-4.

“It’s nice finally after going against your own teammates for so long to go out and compete against other teams,” senior linebacker Ethan Fultz said.

Saturday was a chance for Fultz and the Braves to really focus on their pass coverage as teams don’t run the ball during 7-on-7 competition.

“A lot of the big things is our pass coverages for the DBs (defensive backs), making sure we don’t get beat deep and we cover our zones,” Fultz said.

The senior was pleased with Brownstown’s performance but saw areas to get better, too, before the season starts.

“I think we played good,” he said. “Definitely some things to work on, but it’s early.”

With it being Fultz’s final year, he wants to achieve something he never has in his Brave career — win a sectional championship.

With that goal in mind, Fultz is trying to step it up in the leadership department. It was evident on the field on Saturday as Fultz’s voice was the loudest when the Braves were on defense.

“Just making sure everyone is locked in and knows what they’re doing,” Fultz said. “Make sure we recognize things and just play well as a whole. I’ve never won a sectional, so I’m trying to step it up.”

Brownstown went undefeated in the regular season last year and lost to Lawrenceburg in the sectional championship. The Braves also lost a lot of production from graduating seniors, but Fultz likes what he sees from the roster so far this offseason.

“We lost 16 seniors. We are young, but the guys coming up, I’m seeing good things out of them. I’m really excited to see what they can do,” Fultz said. “I’m excited to see what’s going to happen. It’s my senior year, so it’s my last ride.”

Saturday concluded a busy week for Brownstown’s football program where the Braves held their 56er and middle school football camps during the week, followed by Superstars Night on Friday.

The 56er punt, pass and kick winners from Superstars Night were Colt Burcham, Noah Lambring, Evan Baker, Nolan Nehrt, Trenton Millick, Drake Wolka and Briar Ault.

The following athletes were Brownstown’s summer weightlifting winners: Jeffrey Barker +80 pounds (senior class), Bryce Peak +25 pounds (junior class), Greg Hutcheson +60 pounds (sophomore class) and Anthony Elliott +80 pounds (freshman class).

The winners were determined by how much they improved on their power club — squat, clean and bench.

The Braves will have their Red and Black scrimmage against each other in August, followed by a scrimmage against Jennings County before opening the season on Aug. 19 at Corydon Central.