Owatonna trails at half, then rolls past Chaska in 5A playoffs

Trailing at halftime for just the second time all season failed to unnerve Owatonna.

The defending Class 5A state champion just needed a reminder of its identity.

"We said, 'Go out there and play Owatonna football,' " senior offensive lineman Chris Lewis said.

Which is … ?

"Grind them. Shove it down their throats," said Lewis, his right hand punching the palm of his left hand for emphasis.

It worked. Owatonna pulled away in a 42-27 victory against Chaska in the first of two state tournament quarterfinals on Saturday at Twin Cities Orthopedic Stadium in Eagan.

Owatonna running back Jason Williamson, who has committed to the Gophers, scored five touchdowns on 39 carries for an unofficial 333 yards.

Dahl's Hawks emerged from Section 2, perhaps the best in the state, and showed their mettle. Trailing 14-0 after the first quarter, Chaska responded with 17 consecutive points and led at halftime.

Then Owatonna started the third quarter by forcing Chaska (8-4) to punt after its first possession and went ahead to stay on a one-play drive. Williamson dashed 47 yards for a touchdown and the Huskies had found themselves.

"I feel like that just jump-started us again," Lewis said.

Chaska, meanwhile, staggered.

"They came out and hit us in the mouth in the second half and we didn't have an answer," Dahl said.

Chaska, which defeated No. 3-ranked Waconia and No. 7 Mankato West to reach the state tournament, couldn't respond.

"Whoever comes out of our section every year can make a run and put good teams to bed," Chaska senior quarterback Justin Bach said. "But a lot of credit to [Owatonna]. They played well in the second half."