Orioles fall to SFC for first loss of season

#2 Lennox took on #1 Sioux Falls Christian in a rematch of last year’s Class A State Championship. This time, however, Sioux Falls Christian came out on top, defeating Lennox 17-0.

The Orioles battled in the heat, and in the opening quarter both defenses proved to be a force. Sioux Falls Christian drove down the field on a questionable pass interference call, setting up a 44-yard field goal attempt. The kick was no good, leaving the score 0-0 with just over five minutes to play in the first.

Lennox’s defense continued to pressure Sioux Falls Christian, with Leif Karlson recording three sacks in the game and Ramsey Williams and Nolyn Spielman each adding one. The Chargers also brought pressure, forcing Lennox to punt on back-to-back possessions.

Following a facemask penalty in the second quarter, Sioux Falls Christian started a drive at the Lennox 19-yard line. Thanks to another strong defensive stand, the Chargers had to settle for a 32-yard field goal, taking a 3-0 lead with just under nine minutes before halftime.

On Lennox’s next possession, Tate Gerdes had a strong kickoff return, but a holding penalty negated the play. The Orioles were forced to punt once again. With 3:40 left in the second quarter, Sioux Falls Christian scored a touchdown, extending their lead to 10-0.

Lennox was again forced to punt, and the Chargers returned it to the Lennox 34-yard line, setting up another scoring chance before halftime. The field goal attempt went wide left, however, and the score remained 10-0 at the break.

In the second half, Lennox attempted a 33-yard field goal with 5:37 left in the third, but the kick missed left, keeping the Orioles scoreless. Despite some offensive advances, Lennox was unable to capitalize, and Sioux Falls Christian added one more touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

For the Orioles, Cayden Hauls went 10-of-24 through the air, passing for 79 yards. Drake Mikkelsen led the receivers with four catches for 48 yards. Wyatt Bult added one catch for 27 yards, Talen Eich had two catches for three yards, and Williams caught two passes for two yards.

Williams also led the rushing attack with 57 yards on 15 carries. Defensively, Williams tallied nine tackles and a sack. Jevyn Lefers recorded seven tackles, Max Weeldreyer six, Karlson five with three sacks, Spielman six with one sack, and both Aiden Hanssen and Cole Spieler added four tackles apiece.

The Orioles will look to bounce back as they prepare to host West Central this Friday, Sept. 19, for their homecoming match-up. West Central enters with a 2-1 record, earning wins over McCook Central/Montrose (35-6) and Belle Fourche (48-16), with their lone loss coming to Sioux Falls Christian, 24-0. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.