Owatonna's Nolan Malo told me, "It's just fun to play on Friday nights." The senior expected to be the backup receiver to Dalton Kubista, like he was last year. Then coach Doug Wanous asked him about switching to tight end. Malo said he thought he would, "give it a shot."

He says he had to learn about line calls and, "a lot of stuff I didn't realize went on in a game." Running the pass routes was no problem though. Last Friday he caught his first varsity touchdown pass in the Huskies 46-7 win over Rochester Mayo. He is also called upon to play in the defensive secondary to backup Jason Williamson. Malo enjoys playing defense, saying it's similar to playing defense in basketball.

He hopes to play basketball after high school. Malo says he and his father, Jeff, have had some intense games of PIG over the years and recently they rivalry turned the corner, "Up until two years ago, it was mainly my dad (who won). But I finally got my first win a couple of years ago, which was nice."

This week, the 2-0 Huskies play at the 2-0 Packers. Malo says Austin puts plenty of stock into their game against Owatonna, "If they beat Owatonna it's pretty much a dream of theirs." Owatonna has won 17 consecutive over the Packers. Last year OHS beat Austin 49-18. In 2015, Owatonna outscored Austin 77-41.

Owatonna fans are asked to wear red to Friday's game in support of 14-year-old Austin High School player Chris Fischer who passed away September 2 after suffering a heart attack during practice.

Fans should also have the Wiese family on their minds, following the passing of Terry due to cancer, grandfather of players Mitch and Zach, and father of coach Marc.

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