Owatonna Football Opens the Season with a Rivalry Grudge Match

The loss to Faribault in week three of the 2016 football season still doesn't sit well with Owatonna's players. That 21-10 loss marked a turnaround, however, as the Huskies won their next eight games to reach the state semifinals at US Bank Stadium. OHS lost to eventual state champ Elk River at "The Bank."

It's understandable to think Owatonna's players would have similar goals this year, with many players returning from that 9-3 team, however they still have to take it one game at a time. The first game is Friday night versus the Falcons at 7PM at the Owatonna High School football field. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30PM on KRFO AM 1390 and Radiopup.

Faribault graduates heavily off of last year's 4-6 team, including running back Felipe Ramirez, who ran for 157 yards and a touchdown in the win over Owatonna. The Huskies had some early scoring opportunities that they didn't take advantage of.

Senior quarterback Abe Havelka had the fifth-best season in OHS history, despite not starting until after the Faribault game. His top four receiving targets are also back. Noah Budach caught 44 passes in 2016, Alex Raichle grabbed 21 with nine going for touchdowns and Dalton Kubista hauled in 17 throws.

Running back Jason Williamson returns after registering the second-best rushing season in school history with 1,662 yards and 17 touchdowns. Owatonna also brings back several of their leading defenders from 2016 with Zach Mensink, Mitch Wiese and Raichle. Most of Owatonna's graduation came off the offensive and defensive lines, something that can't be dismissed until the new players show their abilities.