As we continue our look back at the 2003 season of Owensville Dutchmen football, more players have chimed in with their memories of the orange and black’s first gridiron run to the state semifinals.

Mentioned last week by a pair of former coaches, then Dutchmen running back Jesse Jett checked in with a few memories of 2003.

During the early 2000s, Owensville historically had a tough time getting a win over Salem’s Tigers.

That changed in 2003 with a district title on the line.

“Going into their stadium and winning the district championship and specifically standing next to Bo (Kearns) and others counting down the clock to victory is something that I will never forget,” Jett said. “That is when the season truly became special.”

Jett next recalled Owensville’s games against Fulton and Moberly.

“In both the Moberly and Fulton games, it never felt like we had a chance to lose,” Jett said. “I still remember sliding through the puddles on the field after winning the (Moberly) game and celebrating being in the final four.”

Playing with a cast on one of his hands, Jett had to make a special appointment the next day to get it cut off and replaced.

Jett now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife and three kids while working Deloitte and Touche.

Another former Dutchmen running back checked in with memories from 2003.

One of a handful of career 1,000 yard rushers during his days at Owensville High School, Layne Kreter also chose to focus on games against Moberly and Ste. Genevieve.

Kreter really enjoyed Spartan Stadium after the game.

“A favorite memory of mine from 2003 was beating the crap out of Moberly on their home field,” Kreter said. “We were also able to shut down their high-profile running back in addition to turning their field into our personal slip-n-slide after it absolutely poured down rain that game.”

Kreter also recalled several aspects of Owensville’s home showdown with Ste. Genevieve.

“The crowd turnout was amazing for that game,” Kreter said. “The stands were packed and there were people standing almost all the way around the track.”

One play early in that game made Kreter realize that it would be a battle.

“We kicked the opening kickoff right to Adam Schwent and he took it 99 yards for a touchdown,” Kreter said. “We quickly realized it was gonna take more than an arm tackle to bring that dude down.”