Owatonna Wins Section Football Championship 38-20 over Northfield

The Huskies pulled away from the Raiders early in the second half and beat Northfield 38-20 to win the Section 1-5A title and advance to the state tournament.

Owatonna's defense made a game-changing play late in the second quarter and the offense put together a pair of quick drives early in the third quarter to turn a close into a blowout.

With less than five minutes remaining in the first half, and leading 10-7, OHS punted from the Northfield side of midfield and pinned the Raiders at their own five-yard line. A few plays into the possession, Owatonna's Ben Staska sacked the Raiders' quarterback and stripped the ball for a fumble, which was recovered by Mitch Wiese at the Northfield five. Jason Williamson scored the second of his four touchdowns two plays later for a 17-7 halftime lead.

The Huskies received the ball to start the second half. Abe Havelka hit Dalton Kubista for a 28-yard gain on first down. Williamson sprinted for 37 yards on the next play for a 24-7 lead. After forcing Northfield into a three-and-out series, the Huskies started from the Raider 48-yard line. Three plays later, Havelka connected with Brett Solie on a 45-yard touchdown and a 31-7 lead.

In a span of less than four minutes of game time the Huskies had scored three times. Williamson added a touchdown for a 38-7 lead by the end of the third quarter. Northfield scored a pair of touchdowns with reserves in the game for both sides.

Aidan Buryska converted all five extra points attempts and a 37-yard field goal.

Owatonna reaches the state tournament for the sixth time. The Huskies won the state title in 2013. They took second place in 1982, 1998 and 2012, and also qualified in 1999.

The Huskies face Apple Valley on Saturday, November 12, at 6PM at Lakeville North High School on Kat Kountry 105FM. The Eagles beat Park of Cottage Grove 42-35. Quarterfinal winners advance to U.S. Bank Stadium.