Huskies Dominate, Get Second Straight Shutout

Leading into Friday night's home Huskies football game, there was a fair amount of talk about a future Division I player on Rochester Century's roster. By the end of the night, the talk was of the players wearing Owatonna's colors that had stellar performances in a 42-0 whipping of the Panthers.

Owatonna's Connor Budach had an impactful night on offense, defense and special teams. He helped contain Century's star player, had a sack, caught some passes, and made a great block on Payton Beyer's long punt return.

Beyer's return included a cut all the way across the field from left to right, a dash up the home-team sideline, and a dive to the pylon that seemed to be good for a touchdown. He was ruled down at the one. Three plays later Nick Williams scored his first varsity touchdown.

Beyer caught two scoring strikes from Brayden Truelson, made a dazzling interception on a pass intended for Augustana recruit Isaiah Huber, and delivered several booming punts on the few occasions when the Huskies didn't pick up a first down.

Tanner Hall turned in a monster first half with all of his 18 carries for about 140 yards and three touchdowns. The offensive line handled the Panthers' blitz to open up holes for Hall and leave time for Truelson. The starting five across the front include Hudson Aase, Nate Smith, Gavin Rein, Tad Johnson, and Abe Stockwell.

Hear coach Jeff Williams interview from Saturday's high school coaches show by clicking on his name below. It's fun to hear his comments about his son Nick's first varsity touchdown. (It's toward the end of the interview.)

OHS football coach Jeff Williams

The Huskies defense held Huber to about 35 yards and limited JM to an overall total of less than that. Wiliams said Budach and Matt Seykora sealed the edge well and Grant Achterkirch was one of the players cleaning things when they play got turned up field.

Lane Versteeg continued his perfect season on point-after tries, going 5-for-5. He is 14-for-14 this season.

Owatonna's cheerleaders kept warm with all their chants and push ups. The team, as listed in the football game day program, consists of Angel Anderson, Katarina Bartz, Lauryn Bateman, Mariah Cuellar, Emmi Edel, Olivia Flores, Zander Hammann, Faith Hanson, Nataly Hurtado, Kiera Hosteller, Maddie Levy, India Miller, Taylor Radsek, Kaitlyn Rami, and Makalia Szymanski.

The Huskies play at New Prague Friday, October 30 with coverage on AM 1390 KRFO and the free KRFO app.

Friday, October 23
Owatonna 42, Rochester Century 0

First quarter
OHS-Beyer 15 yard pass from Truelson (Versteeg kick) 5 plays, 53 yards, 9:09
OHS-Hall 5 yards (Versteeg kick) 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:14

Second quarter
OHS-Hall 9 yards (Versteeg kick) five plays, 51 yards, 4:36
OHS-Hall 13 yard (Versteeg kick) three plays 52 yards, 1:22
OHS-Beyer 19 yard pass from Truelson (Versteeg kick) 3 plays, 38 yards, :14

Third quarter
OHS-Williams 1 yard (Versteeg kick) 3 plays, 1 yard, 5:42

RJM 0-0-0-0=0
OHS 14-21-7-0=42

Football scores
Friday, October 23
Owatonna 42, Rochester Century 0
Blooming Prairie 53, Lewiston-Altura 29
Triton 42, Lake City 13
LCWM 27, NRHEG 12
Mankato East 22, Faribault 8
Rochester Mayo 26, Rochester JM 12
Waseca 41, Worthington 6
Maple River 34, GFW 16
St. Clair 41, WEM 0
Chatifled 19, ZM 2
Pine Island 27, St. Charles 7
Grand Meadow 14, Leroy-Ostrander 0