Owatonna football coach Jeff Williams said on Saturday's KRFO coach show that the Huskies defense stepped up against top-ranked Elk River in Friday's semifinal game.
Unbeaten and top-ranked Elk River is winning their games by an average of 48-12. They have done it with a deceptive running game and virtually no passing attack.
The scenario was similar with the Huskies trailing in the fourth quarter of a playoff game. In each case the defense made some plays and the offense finished the job.
Football fans can be a little more prepared if they review guidelines from the Minnesota State High School League for the state semifinal games. Owatonna plays at 2PM Friday.
Owatonna's Abe Havelka completed two improbable passes Saturday night and the Huskies are headed to U.S. Bank Stadium for the state semifinals as a result.
Three Section 1 football teams won their state quarterfinal games Friday. Two out of three volleyball teams representing the section lost in the state tournament semifinals.
The first two games of the Minnesota State High School League football tournament were held Thursday. All the winners advance to U.S. Bank Stadium for the semifinals.
The field of teams in the Class 5A state football tournament features four unbeaten squads, one with a losing record and two of the top running teams in the state.
"They get a lot of mileage out of their quarterback." That's what Owatonna football coach Jeff Williams says about Apple Valley signal caller Noah Sanders.
Owatonna's six-game winning streak ended Tuesday in a 5-0 loss to Wayzata in a Class AA semifinal at Benilde-St. Margaret's High School in St. Louis Park.