Northern Star: Jacion Owens

Esko junior had breakout season as starting quarterback

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko football team is likely still feeling the pain of Saturday’s state quarterfinals loss to Annandale, but with Jacion Owens returning as their starting quarterback, they should once again be contenders in 2024.

“I feel like coming out here and having a good mood helps everyone get through practice,” says Owens, who started practice sharing his Aaron Rodgers impression with teammates. “I think it helps us lock in a little bit, just being able to go out and play a little bit.”

In his first year as Esko’s starting quarterback, he’s gotten a lot of help from a loaded senior class. “I’ve got to lead these seniors kind of being the young guy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love my teammates and coaches,” Owens smiled. “They’ve helped me a ton, even in the summer workouts. Right from the start, they won’t let me take a play off, they won’t let me lack off at all. It’s hard work all the time, and that’s it.”

Owens also credits his predecessor, Ty Christensen, for showing him the ropes in his early years with Esko. “Ty was a good mentor. I was his backup, and we ran the same plays when Ty was here. He would just bring me through the loops all practices.”

Next year, Owens will be a senior, and he’s ready to accept a bigger leadership role on the field and in the locker room. “I would use the same motivating things the seniors say to me. I can say the underclassmen are going to step up next year.”

While it’s true that Esko is losing a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, Owens is warning critics not to count them out. “Esko football has been on the radar for a while and I like our chances next year, too.”