Owatonna Football concludes with a memorable finale.
The OHS Varsity Football team played the Alexandria Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium at 7 pm on Nov. 16 for the state semifinals. The Huskies ended up losing 42-20, ending their postseason run.
The OHS varsity football team previously won against Cretin-Derham Hall on Nov. 9. 22-21. The game was won from a two-point conversion made by senior utility player Nolan Ginskey. The Huskies winning this game led to the team advancing into the semi-finals. This made the Huskies’ record 11-0.
Before the game, head coach Jeff Williams said, “Our guys have played with confidence all year and have never once flinched in the face of diversity. Alexandria will be an even bigger challenge so we will keep working hard to get better.”
The Huskies have not been to US Bank Stadium since 2018. The team was excited for the challenge.
The Huskies had a rocky start. The Alexandria Cardinals scored two touchdowns during the first quarter, leaving the score 14-0.
In the second quarter, senior quarterback Hunter Theis ran in a 9-yard touchdown. Later on Alexandria scored two more touchdowns to bring their lead to 28-6. Alexandria then threw an interception leading to Owatonna’s senior middle linebacker scoring a pick six. The score was 26-14 after the first half.
After halftime, Owatonna received the kickoff, and the game continued. During the third quarter Alexandria scored another touchdown which made their lead 35-14. Later on in the third quarter Theis was taken out of the game due to an injury. Senior Michael Heitkamp stepped in for Theis as quarterback for the Huskies.
In the fourth quarter, Alexandria scored another touchdown. Owatonna then scored a touchdown by Ginskey. The fourth quarter finished with an ending score of 42-20. The Owatonna Huskies’ loss meant that their 2024 season was now over.
The Huskies had a phenomenal season with a 8-0 regular season record and went undefeated up to the semifinals. Their first loss was to the Alexandria Cardinals.
Ginskey said, “Every moment this season with this team was special and I wouldn’t trade any of it.” The team has worked extremely hard this season and has high hopes for next season.
Ginskey said, “Do your thing and enjoy every moment because it goes too fast.” The Huskies look back on their season and are proud of the success and family they built.
