1 Explosive Run + 1 Epic Drive = 2-0 Start for the Huskies

Owatonna football trailed 9-0 at Rochester Mayo Friday night. But there seemed to be little reason to be too concerned with University of Minnesota commit Jason Williamson making his first start of the season. A throwback ball-control drive in the second half put the game away as the Huskies prevailed 37-9 to improve to 2-0.

Williamson sprinted away from Mayo defenders on a 63-yard run with 7:19 to go in the second quarter on his way to a "quiet" 275 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Jeff Williams was surprised at Williamson's total when adding up the stats afterward.

With the Huskies leading 17-9 early in the third quarter, Mayo pinned Owatonna at their 2-yard line with a good punt. The Huskies methodically marched up the field on a 13-play, 98-drive with every play on the ground. Williamson carried the ball six times on the drive, including a 27-yard run and the 8-yard TD dash to end it and put the Huskies up 24-9. Zander Johnson had three runs and quarterback Brayden Truelson had four sneaks on the drive.

Truelson took over in the first half after starting QB Sol Havelka had to leave with a knee injury that had occurred in practice during the week.

Mayo grabbed their lead thanks to short fields, starting near midfield on three straight drives. The Spartans hit on a field goal and a touchdown, but missed the extra point for the 9-0 advantage.

Owatonna scored twice in the closing 91 seconds of the first half, on a Truelson keeper and 26-yard David Keller field goal for a 17-9 lead at the break.

In addition to the 98-yard masterpiece, OHS turned in an 11-play, 65 yard drive ending with another Truelson sneak. Ethan Walter ended the scoring with a two-yard run after an Isaac Oppegard interception set up the Huskies at the Spartans' 12-yard line. It was Oppegard's third pick of the season.

The game saw the return of defensive lineman Joseph Stransky who had missed the opener at Faribault. The Huskies host Austin Friday, September 14 at 7 pm on Hall of Fame Night.