Owatonna Hosts Austin for Homecoming Football

Scoreboard watchers should keep on their toes when Owatonna hosts Austin for homecoming Friday night at 7PM on KRFO AM 1390.

The Packers (0-4) have surrendered 45 points or more three times this season. On the other hand, they limited unbeaten Rochester Mayo to 17. Owatonna's high point total came in a 26-7 victory over Rochester John Marshall in week two.

Then there's last year to consider. The Huskies outscored the Packers 77-41 in a game where the teams combined for more than 1,000 yards of offense. Owatonna's Sam Hylle rushed for seven touchdowns and 320 yards. Seven scoring drives consisted of three plays or fewer.

That's not the only recent statistical quirk in the rivalry. In Owatonna's state championship 2013 season, Austin (5-5 that year) scored more points against them than any other team.

Austin has faced a challenging schedule this season. Their opponents are a combined 14-2. Austin's games include a 45-20 loss to Rochester JM where they forced five turnovers. They lost to Winona 48-7, giving up almost 300 rushing yards. Mayo beat Austin just 17-0 while turning the ball over four times. Austin's Tabarie Gunsallus rushed for 203 yards on 43 carries that night. Mayo managed just 290 total yards. And last week Austin got a couple of early interceptions against Mankato West and was tied 7-7 before West scored 51 straight points in the 58-15 final.

The Huskies have played ranked teams three times, beating JM and Northfield and losing to Mankato West.

Owatonna has won 16 straight games over Austin. The Packers have lost 15 in a row, dating to the 2014 season.

Radio coverage on KRFO AM 1390 includes OHS player interviews with Darik Elstad and Jay Sullivan. Monday night's coronation program will be aired before the football game starting at 5:45PM.

The Kat Kountry 105 game of the week features NRHEG hosting Sibley East at 7PM. Medford hosts homecoming with Kenyon-Wanamingo at 7PM on KDHL AM 920. Triton has their homecoming with Chatfield at 7PM in Dodge Center. The Blooming Prairie game at Mankato Loyola was canceled due to injuries and illness for the Crusaders. BP will get the forfeit win as a result.