Orioles defeat Vermillion in season opener

Drake Mikkelsen gains yardage after the catch against Vermillion. Mikkelsen had a strong night, finishing with 124 yards receiving and scoring four touchdowns in the game. 

After a slow start in the season opener, the Lennox High School football team found its rhythm and earned the 35-18 win over Vermillion at home on Friday, Aug. 29.

With no scores in the opening quarter, Lennox breached the endzone first as Ramsey Williams ran it in from three yards out. Vermillion answered on a 69 yard run. 

Senior Jhaimann Huntington opened under center for the Orioles, he was able to break the tie, connecting with Drake Mikkelsen on a 38-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Mikkelsen had a strong night, finishing with 124 receiving yards and three touchdowns while also adding a rushing score. 

At halftime, Lennox held a slim 14-10 lead, but in the second half, the Orioles found a way to put it away. Sophomore quarterback Cayden Huls took over at quarterback in the second half. Huls went 18-of-24 passing for 184 yards and two touchdowns, both to Mikkelsen, a 20 yarder in the third quarter and a 12 yarder in the fourth. With Cloy McVey’s extra points, the Orioles were able to capture the 35-18 win. 

For the Orioles, Huntington finished the game going 7-of-19 passing for 127 yards and one touchdown. 

On the ground, senior Ramsey Williams powered the rushing attack with 30 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown. 

Mikkelsen led the receiving core with eight catches for 124 yards. Talen Eich finished with five catches for 82 yards; Brennen Juffer five for 49, Tate Gerdes three for 41, and Williams two for 16. 

Defensively, the Orioles were disruptive, forcing five turnovers, including three interceptions by Gerdes. Nolyn Spielman also recorded three sacks to keep the Tanagers off balance. Williams had one sack in the game and Leif Karlson had two. 

Leading the defense in tackles was Karlson, who finished with five. Gerdes and Spielman each had four. Williams and Aiden Hanssen each had three. 

Overall, Lennox out-gained Vermillion 466 to 225 yards, racking up 26 first downs to the Tanagers’ nine.

The Orioles (1-0) will now look to carry their momentum into Week 2 as they hit the road to face Custer this Friday, Sept. 5.