Caledonia opens season, replacing QB who won 41 consecutive games and three state titles

The Caledonia High School football team heads into its season-opener with a 41-game win streak, three consecutive state championships and eight titles in the past 11 seasons.

The Warriors, who will be featured all season on Classic Hits 94.7 FM, open on the road Friday against Plainview-Elgin-Millville. Pregame is at 6:50 p.m.

Gone from last season is Minnesota player of the year and all-state quarterback Owen King, who never lost a game in his final three seasons, finishing his career throwing for 8,621 yards, 139 touchdowns — 2,893 yards and 45 touchdowns last season including playoffs. King, who will play basketball for Division I South Dakota State, also rushed for 25 TDs.

This season’s quarterback for Caledonia will still have King stitched on the back of his jersey and big cleats to fill but Noah King, the younger brother, is probably pretty used to that.

Caledonia Coach Carl Fruechte says it’s unfair to compare anyone to Owen King though his brother looks like he’s been a starter for years.

“His leadership is off the charts,” Fruechte said. “He’s just doing and saying all the right stuff. Just really love his attitude, his demeanor, his spirit.”

Fruechte said there will be some new wrinkles to open the season.

“We change things up to fit our kids,” he said. “We want to make sure to put them in a position to excel out on the field. As they get better at those things, then we beginning to expand the playbook.”