Owen-Withee’s deep bench leads to win over the Chiefs

By Ginna Young

Cornell’s football program looked for their first win Sept. 17, as Owen-Withee came calling. The visiting team struck first, scoring the only touchdown of the first quarter, then adding two touchdowns in the second, while Cornell remained scoreless.

“On offense, we were playing behind the sticks most of the night and not taking advantage of opportunities,” said coach Craig Braaten. “Defensively, we gave up too much on the initial push from their offensive line.”

Coming out of halftime, Owen-Withee scored a touchdown in the third quarter, but the Chiefs answered back with a 95-yard kick-off return from junior Dylan Bowe. Although the extra point attempt failed, Cornell bounced right back on defense.

It came down to a numbers game, with Owen-Withee’s deep bench playing a factor, as they scored one final touchdown in the fourth quarter, to take the win over Cornell, 406.

“Owen-Withee made the most of their opportunities,” said Braaten, “and exploited our inexperience and lack of players, by substituting often on defense and rotating fresh bodies.”

Junior Avery Turany led on rushing for the Chiefs, with 32 yards, followed by sophomore Daniel Person, with 16, and freshman Preston Fredrickson, with 4. Person also came up with 55 yards on passing.

Turany came away with 36 yards in receiving, while junior Dawson Munson ended with 16, and Bowe added 10. Sophomore Jayden Joas-Shaw chipped in with 3 yards.

“Lots of mistakes Friday night, not indicative of how we play,” said Braaten. “Too many penalties, dropped passes, fumbles and missed assignments.”