Huskies Defense Dominates Second Half in Win Over Raiders

Owatonna's defense outscored Northfield in the second half and had nearly as many yards on one play as the Raiders managed against the stifling Huskies' unit. OHS scored 19 points in the third quarter in their 29-11 win over Northfield at the Owatonna High School football field.

The Raiders only had about 40 yards of offense in the second half and just one first down. Owatonna linebacker Mason Oland returned a fumble about 35 yards for a defensive score and a 22-11 lead. That play occurred 25 seconds after Jason Williamson scored on a 10-yard touchdown run to give the Huskies a 16-11 lead, erasing an 11-10 halftime deficit.

Owatonna ended the scoring with a Sol Havelka one-yard sneak to cap a 73-yard, eight-play drive that finished with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter for the final points in the Huskies 29-11 win. OHS (7-0) had the only loss of their state championship season a year ago against Northfield (5-2).

The Huskies nearly had a first-half defensive score when Jake Miller returned an interception to the one. Williamson scored on the next snap.

Northfield scored first when the snap went over the Owatonna's punter head for a safety. Shortly afterward OHS turned a Raiders' turnover into a 25-yard field goal from David Keller for a 3-2 lead midway through the first quarter. That score stood until Williamson's first TD for a 10-2 lead.

Northfield scored twice in the second quarter. Quarterback Mason Zick connected with Luke LaPanta for a short touchdown toss early in the second. After another bad snap on a punt, the Raiders got a 35-yard field goal for the 11-10 halftime lead.

Owatonna wraps up the top seed in the section with the win in addition to at least a share of the Big Southeast, Red Division title. The Huskies host New Prague Wednesday, October 17. Northfield plays host to Rochester Century Wednesday. The winner should be the No. 2 seed in the section, which also comes with a first-round bye.