Owatonna Football Rallies by John Marshall in 2OT, NRHEG and Triton Improve to 2-0

The Huskies rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit then topped the Rockets in the second overtime 27-21. The Cobras and Panthers each went to 2-0 with 34-6 victories Friday night.

Owatonna scored on consecutive third-quarter drives to tie their game at John Marshall at 14-14. Alex Emanuelson ran in from three yards out and Mitch Wiese scored his first varsity touchdown from six yards.

Each of the four possessions in overtime had its own storyline. The Rockets went on offense first and scored on a fourth down from inside the one. On a quarterback sneak it appeared the Rockets running back pushed the quarterback into the end zone. Owatonna coach Jeff Williams questioned the call, but it stood and John Marshall led 21-14. The Huskies responded with a fourth down completion from Emanuelson to Alec Holcomb in the back of the end zone. The Huskies were flagged for a personal foul in celebrating and that forced Aidan Buryska to convert from 35 yards for the extra point, which tied the game at 21 apiece.

The Huskies went first in the second overtime and scored on a seven-yard strike from Emanuelson to Holcomb again, but a bad snap on the PAT left OHS ahead 27-21. The Rockets got several extra downs after Owatonna penalties, including a pass interference in the end zone. On the final play of the game Blake Westphal broke up a pass in the end zone. Holcomb earned the Kottke Jeweler's Diamond Player of the Game award with his dramatic plays on offense and solid game on defense.

That extends the Huskies' winning streak over the Rockets to 11 straight games. Owatonna (1-1) will host Faribault (0-2) for their home opener Friday night at 7PM with the live action on KRFO AM 1390 and the RadioPup app..

Both NRHEG and Triton used a strong ground game to score their second straight victories. The Panthers opened their home season with a 34-6 victory over Lester Prairie. The Cobras topped Zumbrota-Mazeppa 34-6. The Cobras play Winona Cotter at Winona State University on Thursday night at 8PM with coverage on Kat Kountry 105FM. NRHEG goes to Waterville on Friday night, and that will also be on Kat Kountry 105FM.

Blooming Prairie dropped to 1-1 after a 28-12 loss at Faribault Bethlehem Academy. The Awesome Blossoms will be refining their play in the trenches leading up to their home game with St. Clair on Friday. JWP outscored Medford 41-28. The Tigers play at Mankato Loyola on Friday night.

Around the Big Southeast District, Rochester Mayo beat Century 27-20 behind 41 carries, 194 yards and three touchdowns from Greg Henry. Red Wing scored its second straight fourth-quarter come-from-behind win, edging Faribault 33-28. Winona beat Austin 28-19 with a 34 carry, 183-yard night from Tanner Remlinger. The Winhawks returned a punt for a TD. Mankato West rallied from a 10-7 deficit to whip Mankato East 35-10. Northfield scored on six of its eight drives while beating New Prague 41-12.

Big Southeast District standings
Red Division
Owatonna (1-0 in the division) 1-1 overall
Mayo (1-0) 2-0
Northfield (1-0) 1-1
Rochester JM (0-1) 1-1
New Prague (0-1) 0-2
Rochester Century (0-1) 0-2

Blue Division
Mankato West (1-0) 2-0
Winona (1-0) 2-0
Red Wing (1-0) 2-0
Mankato East (0-1) 1-1
Austin (0-1) 0-2
Faribault (0-1) 0-2