Gallery • 7 Photos

Ava Stockwell

Owatonna linemen blocking a Mankato West player

The Owatonna High School Football team is truly in midseason form. Although they were defeated 28-6 by a dynamic Mankato West in the first game of the season, the Huskies have since rattled off four straight victories, many with large offensive outputs. Junior wide receiver Carter Broton commented, “Our offense has really come along in the past few weeks. We are starting to hit our stride and consistently move the ball down the field.” Fresh off a crushing defeat, Owatonna traveled to Rochester JM to face a state ranked opponent, featuring a division one caliber defensive lineman as well as two dynamic running backs. JM was heavily favored to win, but it ended up being a 27-21 double overtime victory for the Huskies, with senior captain Alex Emanuelson throwing two touchdowns to close the game. Junior linebacker Ben Staska said, “That was an awesome game to be a part of, just because it was so close and very physical.” The next game presented an easier matchup against traditional rival Faribault, who struggled to move the ball offensively and stop Owatonna’s attack. One of the highlights of the 55-0 blowout was a 90 yard kick return touchdown by junior Bryce Goodwin.

Owatonna faced a challenge against Northfield when forced to play without senior captain Alec Holcomb due to a sprained knee. However, a few early scores propelled the Huskies to a gritty 34-23 victory. On Sept. 18, the Huskies put on an offensive showcase, punching in eleven touchdowns en route to a 77-40 victory over Austin.

The upcoming game will be a tough test for the Huskies as they face Rochester Mayo (4-1), but Coach Jerry Eggermont has confidence in his players, stating, “We continue to work hard everyday in practice to get better as a team in all aspects of the game. The players have great attitudes and a tremendous work ethic for practice each and every day. It has been so much fun to see the vast improvement in all the positions offensively and defensively from week one up to now.” Coach Williams highlighted the playoff implications of the game, saying, “Mayo is going to be a huge game, with section seeding on the line.” This matchup, hosted by Rochester Mayo on Sept. 25, will no doubt be a tight game and could very well be a preview of the inaugural Big Southeast Red Division Championship.