Owatonna Football Beats Century 35-13, Ends Season on Seven-Game Winning Streak

The Huskies scored on consecutive plays from scrimmage midway through the third quarter to build a solid lead over Rochester Century on Friday night.

The momentum gaining sequence started with a fourth-down-and-one play for the Huskies. A handoff to Sam Hylle resulted in a 30-yard touchdown dash with 5:03 to go in the third quarter. After the kickoff, Century's quarterback fumbled on first down. Alec Holcomb, who made numerous big plays in last year's OHS overtime win in Rochester, recovered the ball. On the very next play, Alex Emanuelson threw a perfect pass to Dalton Kubista on a fade route into the end zone for a 28-13 lead with 4:43 remaining.

The Panthers had a couple of opportunities after that, starting inside Huskies' territory. Century blocked a punt and started a drive at the Owatonna 22 but did not score. OHS was forced to punt on the subsequent drive and Century began at the Huskies' 45. But again the Owatonna defense stood its ground.

The final score came with 2:28 remaining in the fourth quarter on Hylle's fourth touchdown run. It capped an eight-play, 56-yard drive. His TD came on an untouched run up the middle.

Century opened the scoring in the first quarter, striking on a long touchdown pass. Two scoring drive for the Huskies in the second quarter gave them a 14-7 lead. Century scored late in the second quarter, but missed the PAT, and closed to within 14-13 at the half.

Senior nose guard Sam Callen earned the Kottke Jeweler's Diamond Player of the Game Award with a solid game. He made a number of tackles, a couple for a loss. He was also involved in at least one sack.

The Huskies wrapped up the top seed in Section 1-5A with the win and will play their first playoff game on Tuesday, October 20, at home. Owatonna (7-1, 5-0) also secured the outright Red Division championship of the Big Southeast District.

Friday was Sack Cancer at the game, with fans donating money that will by split by From the Heart and the Relay for Life.

The Triton Cobras won their season finale 35-6 over Dover-Eyota to secure the No. 3 seed in Section 1AA and will open the playoffs Wednesday, October 14, in Dodge Center.

Big Southeast District results from Friday, October 9:

Red Division
Owatonna 35, Century 13
Northfield 24, Rochester Mayo 7
Rochester JM 48, New Prague 7

Blue Division
Mankato West 42, Winona 19
Faribault 56, Austin 41
Mankato East 30, Red Wing 7