Jason Williamson Leads List of 13 Huskies Named to All-District Team

Sophomore running back Jason Williamson was named the Red Division Offensive Player of the Year. Thirteen OHS players earned All-District or honorable mention.

Seven Owatonna players earned Big Southeast All-District. They are Williamson, Ben Staska, Nathan Deason, Brett Solie, Alex Raichle, Goy Tut and Noah Budach. Six more Huskies landed honorable mention designation. They are Josh Burns, Mitch Wiese, Jaden Dowhaniuk, Kadyn Mulert, Abe Havelka and Zach Mensink.

Jason Williamson has rushed for 1,584 yards entering the state semifinal game against Elk River. That total is the second-best single mark in school history, behind only Aaron Peterson's 2,047 yards in the 2013 state championship season. Coach Jeff Williams said of Williamson, "He rarely takes a negative play and often turned a dead play into a long touchdown with his ability to cut back and break tackles."

Senior linebacker Ben Staska has led the team in defensive points six times. He has four fumble recoveries, two-and-a-half sacks and nearly 100 total tackles. Williams says, "Ben is the unquestioned leader of our defense and he has done that with his voice and his play on the field."

Seniors Nathan Deason and Josh Burns and junior Kadyn Mulert have manned an offensive line that has helped generate 356 yards of offense per game and has the Huskies on the verge of a Prep Bowl appearance. Williams' remarks include, "Deas is such a versatile lineman. He can pull and lead through the hole as well as take on bigger d-lineman across from him. Josh is the fulcrum of an offensive line that has improved tremendously throughout the season. Kadyn was asked to play both ways through much of the season and did a great job."

Brett Solie, a senior defensive back, has 60 total tackles, three pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles. Williams said, "Brett is a fine cover guy, but his real strength is rolling into the box and cleaning up on run plays." Junior defensive back Alex Raichle has four interceptions, four pass breakups and a blocked kick. "Alex is one of the most versatile and athletic kids we have ever had here." Raichle also has 20 receptions for 448 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also returned a punt for a score.

Senior defensive lineman Goy Tut has 45 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. "Goy has been rock solid in the defensive line all season. If teams tried to single block him, he made plays all night."

Junior receiver Noah Budach has 39 catches for 399 yards and four touchdowns entering the game against Elk River at U.S. Bank Stadium. Williams says, "Noah has been our most consistent and reliable receiver throughout the year." Junior quarterback Abe Havelka has thrown for more than 1,200 yards, 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions. "Abe made a big splash in week four against Northfield and he just keeps getting better each week."

Junior linebacker Mitch Wiese has over 50 tackles, three forced fumbles and two recoveries. "A very tough edge defender who consistently shut down opponents' outside run game." Junior backer Zach Mensink has 72 tackles. "Zach has quietly emerged as a great linebacker." Senior defensive back Jaden Dowhaniuk has six pass breakups and one interception. "Jaden has been an outstanding pass defender all season. Teams find tough sledding when they tried to throw to his side."

Williams was named the coach of the year in the Red Division. Winona coach John Cassellius won the honor for the Blue Division. CJ Terry of Mankato West is the Blue Division Offensive Player of the Year. The Defensive Players of the Year are Caleb Leonard of Northfield and Brody Hogenson of Winona. The Lineman of the Year are Isaac Cornell of Northfield and Jacob Stanislawski of Winona.