12 Owatonna Football Players Honored by Big Southeast District

Eight OHS football players were named to the Big Southeast All District Team, with four additional players landing honorable mention designation.

Owatonna senior offensive linemen Lucas Arndt and Joash Rockensock helped the Huskies to a solid balance between the run and pass. Owatonna football coach Jeff Williams called Arndt, "the QB of our offensive line." And he said Rockensock, "did a great job of protecting Manny's blind side in pass protection."

Senior quarterback Alex Emanuelson (Manny) made the all district team with 1,134 yards passing. His career total of 2,305 is third-best in school history. So is his touchdown total of 22. Senior running back Sam Hylle rushed for 1,361 yards, the sixth-highest single season in Owatonna history. Hylle set school records with 320 yards and seven touchdowns in the game at Austin. "Sam really came into his own this year as a running back," Williams said.

Senior linebacker Alec Holcomb led the team in tackles for the second straight year. Senior linebacker Lance Ulrich, "was a big play guy for our defense this year." Junior linebacker Ben Staska, "always shows up in the right spot."

Senior defensive back Blake Westphal, "was a difference maker on both sides of the ball," Williams said.

Players earning honorable mention include senior offensive lineman Brady Ruiter. "Brady was a very athletic guard for us and had the ability to hold his own against bigger defensive lineman." Junior defensive lineman Guy Tut impressed the coach with his "natural strength and his instincts." Senior Austin Abbas, "was a disruptive force in the defensive line." Senior defensive back Jake Borchert, "was one of the most athletic kids on this team."

Williams was named the coach of the year in the Red Division of the Big Southeast District. The Huskies won the division at 5-0 and went 7-2 overall.

Williams talked about all the seniors from this year's team on Saturday's coaches show on KRFO radio.