The Owatonna Football team won the Section 1AAAAA championship game on Friday, Nov. 3 against the Northfield Raiders. The hard-fought win ended in a final score of 35-6. Players, coaches and fans are ecstatic about the team going to the state playoffs.
The Huskies have had a very successful season with a record of 8-2. Head coach Jeff Williams has built the program over the past 27 years. With over 200 wins during his career, Coach Williams is going back to state playoffs for the fourth time. Coach Williams said, “What I’m really proud of is how they came out in the second half and put Northfield away.” The Huskies had an early lead and kept with it throughout the whole game. Going into the second half, the Huskies were persistent and held their own. Coach Williams said, “Our culture has been awesome, and our captains have set the tone, which trickles down to our seniors.” This culture shows exactly who the team is.
Obviously, it was a huge goal of mine coming into the season and it is so surreal now that it actually happened.
— Nolan Ginskey
Senior captain Owen Beyer has made an impact all season. Friday night was no different. Beyer said, “All of the hard work we put in during the summer pays off greatly.” On and off the field, there were many celebrations. Nolan Ginskey surpassed a school record being just the second receiver in Owatonna history to run 1,000 yards in a season. Ginskey said, “Obviously, it was a huge goal of mine coming into the season and it is so surreal now that it actually happened.” Mitch Seykora was also selected to the All- State Team and will play on December 2 at the U.S. Bank Stadium.
The team came together to make one another better and continue to do so. Coach Marc Achterkirch mentioned, “We have to continue to sharpen our sword and get better at the things we do best.”
The Owatonna Huskies play St. Thomas Academy in the state quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 11 at noon at Woodbury High School. OHS will do a send off at 2:55 on Friday, Nov. 10 in the commons.
