MEMORIES & MOMENTS I Week 4

In Week 4 of the 2016 season, the Huskies traveled to Northfield after losing two of their first three games and fresh off a disappointing loss to Faribault. Desperate to ignite his offense, Jeff Williams made a change at quarterback and the Abe Havelka Era officially began in the middle of the first quarter of a scoreless midseason game at Memorial Field on Sept. 23, 2016. The junior promptly led the Huskies down the field for a touchdown on his first drive and played a huge part in Owatonna’s 21-3 victory. Havelka made a number of key third-down completions and finished 11-for-22 for 120 yards, scoring his first career touchdown on a 1-yard plunge with 6:08 left in the fourth quarter that all-but clinched the victory over the No. 10-ranked Raiders. From there, he piloted an offense that averaged 40 points per contest during Owatonna’s memorable eight-game winning streak that ended with a gutsy 19-7 loss to eventual state champion, Elk River, in the state semifinals in Minneapolis. The Huskies went 12-1 during Havelka’s senior season in 2017 and he accounted for close to 50 touchdowns, helping the program capture the Class 5A state championship along the way.

MEMORIES & MOMENTS I Hosting the Packers

Against Austin at the OHS stadium on Sept. 14, 2018, senior Jason Williamson scored four touchdowns and rushed for 337 yards, nearly matching his single-game record of 343 established the previous season against Rochester Century. Owatonna won the game 63-27 and sophomore Brayden Truelson ripped off a career-long 20-yard touchdown scamper as part of his three-touchdown performance (2 rushing, 1 passing).

MEMORIES & MOMENTS I 5 Years ago, after 3 games

Entering Week 4 of the 2016 season, Owatonna was 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the Big Southeast Red Division. The Huskies were coming off a 21-10 loss at Faribault and preparing to play their second consecutive road game at undefeated and No. 10-ranked Northfield.

MEMORIES & MOMENTS I 10 Years ago, after 3 games

Entering Week 4 of the 2011 season, Owatonna was 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Big Nine Conference. The Huskies were coming off a 34-6 victory over Rochester John Marshall in a game that was scoreless after the first quarter. The Huskies were preparing for their third road game in four weeks to start the season at 2-1 Rochester Century.

Photo by Jim Wellbrock