The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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  • Pat Christman

    East-Owatonna 9/13

September 13, 2008

Owatonna runs over East

Cougars fall in Big Nine Conference game

By Denny Weller

MANKATO — Don’t let the Owatonna Huskies’ tight run-oriented formation lull you into thinking they’re strictly a power football team.

Friday night at Wolverton Field, the Huskies showed off their elusiveness as well in a 56-7 Big Nine Conference triumph over Mankato East at Wolverton Field.

“Everybody thinks they’re a smash-mouth football team, but they get you with the cut-back play, too,” East coach Dave Frisell said “Our kids were over-running the ball all the time, and they were cutting back to get big plays.”

East (1-2 overall, 0-2 in Big Nine) converted an onside kick to open the game before actually tying the game at 7 midway though the quarter on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Benesh to Nate Roberts.

“I was thrilled at the way things started out,” Frisell said. “We were feeling great to be 7-7 with them but it’s just a matter of time with them. They just wear you down. They’re physical and strong, and if you don’t tackle well you’re in trouble.

“We just made too many mistakes offensively with turnovers and penalties. We’re just not consistent enough yet with this new offense.”

Owatonna (2-1, 2-0) stopped the Cougars cold after Craig Nusser recovered Zach Miller’s onside kick. After a Miller punt, sophomore Colin Wencl took a quick toss and scooted 72-yards on the Huskies’ initial play.

Abe Kolstad’s fumble recovery moments later set up the Cougars’ lone score on a two-play, 29-yard drive. Benesh’s 15-yard pass in the left flat to Kenthen King was followed by a procedure penalty.

“We made a few mistakes in the first quarter and allowed them to get some momentum.” Huskies’ coach Jeff Williams said. “They caught us off guard on the kickoff but I was proud of how our kids stepped up and kept their poise.

“We went to this offense a year ago, and I think it suits the kind of kids we have. I like our stable of running backs and our linemen.”

Owatonna, which held Rochester John Marshall to minus-14 yards in a 42-0 rout a week ago, scored five unanswered touchdowns to grab a 42-7 halftime lead. Senior quarterback Neil Eddie’s 15-yard romp on sneak up the middle began the surge.

All in all, the Huskies amassed 378 yards on the ground and had six different players cross the goal line. East managed 196 total yards with King rushing for 60 yards on 13 carries and Benesh completing 6 of 13 for 61 yards.

“They just really have a good offensive line,” said Roberts, who was in on nine tackles. “They pulled everybody and they had a way of blocking everyone. We tried to look for the ball and every once in a while they pulled the counter on us. We had a tough time getting to the ball.”

Senior linebacker Derrik Kraft led the Cougars with 12 stops.

East plays Friday at Albert Lea.

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