In what could be best characterized as a defensive struggle, the Albert Lea B-squad football team defeated Owatonna 14-6 in the season opener.

Leading the way defensively for the Bengals were Zach Marty, Brandon Klukow, Kyle Anderson, Jared Butler and Jeff Bohlman.

Travis Klatt made a couple of outstanding catches on the offensive end.

Albert Lea took a 6-0 lead in the second quarter on a pass from Marty to Klukow.

Owatonna answered early in the third quarter with a strong drive and score to tie the game 6-6.

Albert Lea’s second score came on another pass play, this time Marty going to Adam Lohse who was all alone in the end zone. Ryan Truesdell caught a pass for the two-point conversion.

Albert Lea put the game away with a drive that consumed 3:30 off the clock, with the quarterback taking a knee on the last two plays. The blocking of Trent Miller and Seth Henry as well as the hard running of Truesdell and Klukow led the drive.

Tony Dugstad led the way for the Albert Lea special teams.