Century Brings Big Passing Game to Owatonna Friday

August 30 is a long time ago. That was week one of the high school football season. Owatonna dominated Rochester Century 44-7. Huskies coach Jeff Williams said before and after the game that the road back to the state tournament might include another meeting with the Panthers. That prediction comes true Friday, November 1 when two-time defending state champion Owatonna hosts Century in the Section 1-5A title game.

Kick off is at 7 pm with a 6:45 pm pregame on AM 1390 KRFO and on the free downloadable KRFO app for your phone. Following the game catch the Garage Force of Faribault "Football Blitz" on Kat Kountry 105 FM or the Kat Kountry app. The winner advances to the state tournament quarterfinals on Saturday, November 9 at 12 pm at Woodbury High School against either St. Thomas Academy or Apple Valley.

The Huskies limited Century to 175 total yards in the season-opening game, about 45 on the ground and about 130 through the air. Owatonna gained nearly 485 yards with over 200 yards rushing and over 275 passing.

Since the 37-point loss to Owatonna, Century has won seven-out-of-eight including an impressive 35-14 victory over Mankato West, who is still alive in their section as well. The Panthers beat Rochester Mayo 43-13 in the section semifinals Saturday after outscoring the Spartans 46-34 in the final game of the regular season to earn the No. 2 seed in the section.

Century switched starting quarterbacks early in the season, going with junior Nathan Eberhart. He threw for 318 yards and six touchdowns in Saturday's playoff win. Coach Jon Vik told the Rochester Post Bulletin, "His resiliency and being able to come back, because he took some vicious hits tonight, I'm just so proud of the toughness he showed."

Stats from that article indicate Mark Leonard caught three of the touchdowns. Jack Fisher had two touchdown receptions and a pair of interceptions. Century running back Isaiah Huber rushed for just 58 yards but caught a touchdown pass.

Their only loss since opening day came against New Prague 26-20. The Trojans nearly beat Rochester Mayo and Mankato West this season as well, even though handled New Prague 56-13.

Owatonna is seeking its fourth straight section title and ninth overall. Century has never qualified for the state football tournament.