Player Scores 5 Touchdowns on His Birthday

Several notable events happened Friday night in Medford during the Tigers' football game with Randolph. Josiah Hedensten's five-touchdown performance was no higher than the third most significant of those. Medford won 47-18. That also was not at the top the list.

The game served as a Sack Cancer game, raising money for Calab Svenby. The Medford Tiger Touchdown Booster Club hosted the event in addition to a virtual bingo game on OwatonnaLive.com Sunday night. Donations may also be made at Anhorn's and the Medford Muni.

Special guest, Waseca police officer Arik Matson, had special reason to cheer, as stated by Tigers coach Jerome Johannes on the AM 1390 KRFO Coaches Show Saturday morning, "Josiah Hedensten, who is the godson of Arik Matson had a phenomenal night, 217 yards rushing, five touchdowns and lit up on the tackles for our defense."

"Not to mention, it was his birthday as well...He's one of those guys that's laser-focused...He really wanted to perform last night and that's exactly what he did."

Johannes added, "Our guys are excited for these types of games when we're able to honor two really great individuals: Calab Svenby and officer Matson...We just really want to be able to perform for them...We were honored to have those two individuals be part of our game."

The Tigers spotted the Rockets a touchdown. Johannes said, "We give them the ball. And they run the ball on us. We just need to find a way to settle down." Medford came right back to score and take a 7-6 lead "and then our defense just settled in for the rest of the night."

Medford played without running back Jack Paulson on Friday. Johannes said, "Our offensive line took that as a challenge." He is hopeful that Paulson can return for Wednesday's game at Triton. The game in Dodge Center is a replacement game for a match-up with Kenyon-Wanamingo. The Tigers-Cobras clash will be heard on The Mighty 920 KDHL and the free app.