Now is the time of the season where it really matters. For Owatonna football, volleyball and cross country, some critical games/meets are coming up this week. On Tuesday night, Owatonna will face Austin in a home game to hopefully move on in sections and continue playing on Saturday against the number 2 seed Rochester Mayo. The Huskies beat the Packers 42-7 in Austin during the regular season. “We should be able to beat Austin, as long as we go out and execute on both sides of the ball,” said senior Justin Tacheny. Owatonna is the number 3 seed in sections and Austin is the 6 seed.  If Huskie football wins Tuesday, they will play on Saturday.

For girls and boys cross country, their section meet is at home on Thursday. This after the Big 9 meet which was at home last Tuesday. “I love when our meets are at home because there are more people there cheering you on and motivating you while you are running, and that especially helps for these two meets,” said junior Nick Raichle. The top 2 teams advance on to the state meet, as well as the top eight individuals who aren’t on the top two teams. The state meet is November 1st at St. Olaf.

As for volleyball, the girls will play at home Friday night against the winner of Wednesday’s game between Hastings and Albert Lea. They beat Albert Lea in three games during the regular season and have not played Hastings this year. “I’m confident we should be able to win Friday, no matter who we play,” said senior Allison Falken. Assuming the Huskies win, they will next play the following Thursday. Owatonna is the second seed in sections.

Come out and support these dedicated athletes in their respected sports; it would be greatly appreciated! Just a reminder that activity tickets do not work at Section Games. The admission for students is $5, and you can get into cross country for free. Follow the Student Section on Twitter for any game announcements.