Last Thursday, the OHS football team earned another semifinal state appearance at the Dome. This will be their fourth appearance in OHS history. Their most recent appearance was a success last year. Although they suffered a tough loss in the state championship it has led to some great expectations among players, fans, and coaches. With those expectations the team has emerged, again, as a favorite to make some noise at the Dome this year. Coach Jeff Williams said, “It’s nice for the guys to finally be able to just get past that stage of outdoing last year and now to be able to focus on each game for what it is.” The team provided a shutout for the second consecutive game which was due to a lights out performance from the defense. Although the defense played great, something that may have gone unnoticed to some was the performance from Logan Langland. Coach Williams said, “Logan was a bit dinged up lately and wasn’t able to get much practice but he managed to play great and provide a spark for the team in crucial points during the game.”

The school spirit displayed by the team, students, and fans Thursday night was a sight that will go down in OHS history for years to come. Coach Williams said, “For the last ten years or so it has become a tradition to sing the school song after every win which is a pretty neat thing to be able to share with our fans.” Moments like that are what bring all four school classes together as a student body.

Aside from the team’s big win on Thursday the guys are celebrating some individual success as well. Andrew Stelter, Luke Wanous, Andrew Beede, and Ty Sullivan all earned defensive all conference honors. Also earning all conference honors for offense and special teams were Sam Noeldner, Sam Fenske, Ian Langeberg, Carter McCauley, and Aaron Peterson. Also earning all conference honorable mention were Chase Wedin, Parker Hoen, and Cade Guimond. Coach Williams and his staff also earned all conference as a coaching staff. Luke Wanous said, “The team has so many great leaders on and off the field. Our coaching staff is awesome also. They’re very paternal and dedicated to our team which is great.” The team is now 11-0-0 and will play next Friday at 2:00 at the Dome.