I have had the fortune and pleasure to call several Prep Bowl championship games over the years, including Owatonna's three state title victories in 2013, 2017 and 2018. This year attending the Minnesota State High School League state football finals involved buying a ticket and no press box access. But I still enjoyed going to a pair of games Saturday.

I was able to watch a bit more of the behind-the-scenes activities that go on at such an event. I saw the joy of fans welcoming the state champs from Leroy-Ostrander come up the steps after postgame interviews. I was also right alongside the coaches from Fertile-Beltrami on the main concourse as they lamented their loss to the Cardinals.

TV TIME OUT GUY

football
Roy Koenig/TSM
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The thought of behind-the-scenes jobs first occurred to me as I watched the guy who halts play during the television time outs. It's a powerful position. (This looks like a great gig.)

GAME OFFICIALS

football, officials
Roy Koenig/TSM
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football, team, sports
Roy Koenig/TSM
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We've all heard about the shortage of game officials. We must support these men and women who dedicate their time and efforts to youth sports a great activity.

TV REPORTERS

television sports
Roy Koenig/TSM
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TV
Roy Koenig/TSM
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I enjoy working in radio, but respect those who work in other media to provide great coverage of prep sports throughout the year.

FOOTBALL COACH

football coaches
Roy Koenig/TSM
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Coaches of all sports put in a tremendous amount of time for the love of the game and the student-athletes that participate. Members of the Leroy-Ostrander staff are joined by a player in this photo from Saturday, November 27 at US Bank Stadium.

TV REPLAY GUY

video replay, football
Roy Koenig/TSM
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football
Roy Koenig/TSM
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This job involves plenty of sitting around I guess. I only saw him after a few plays. At the Prep Bowl certain plays go to instant replay review. A reversal in the Chatfield game prevented their opponent from taking a fourth quarter lead. Dassel-Cokato had a touchdown call reversed, but they scored on the next play.

RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY GUY

sports
Courtesy of Todd Walkingstick
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Williamson on the big screen
Roy Koenig/Townsquare Media
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football
Rich Will/Townsquare Media (2017 Prep Bowl)
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Calling the action for our local teams at state will always remain the No. 1 job in high school sports.

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