Orioles fall to SFC in opener

The Lennox High School football team opened its season on Friday, Aug. 28, playing host to Sioux Falls Christian. The Chargers and Orioles entered the season ranked first and second, respectively, setting the stage for an early-season match-up between two of the state’s top programs.

Sioux Falls Christian jumped out to a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter after scoring a touchdown and then intercepting Lennox’s Cayden Huls just 16 seconds later, returning the turnover 21 yards for another score.

The Orioles continued to battle, however, putting together their best drive of the first half early in the second quarter. Lennox moved the ball all the way to the Chargers’ 8-yard line before the Chargers  stopped the drive on downs.

Shayden Olean provided a spark on the ground with several strong runs in the opening half. Despite moving the ball at times, the Orioles were unable to reach the end zone and went into halftime trailing 17-0 after Sioux Falls Christian’s 34-yard field goal late in the second quarter.

The Chargers added to their lead early in the third quarter when Huls was intercepted on Lennox’s opening possession of the half. Lennox, however, responded with a score of their own. Quarterback Connor McCready came in for the Orioles and on his first drive, McCready connected with Drake Mikkelsen for a 16-yard touchdown, putting the Orioles on the scoreboard. Sioux Falls Christian answered with two additional touchdowns.

Olean continued to make an impact on the ground, breaking the 100-yard mark and finishing with 107 rushing yards on 15 carries. He reached the endzone in the fourth quarter, scoring on an 18 yard run. Huls ran it in for the two point conversion. Lennox scored again in the fourth as Huls found Mikkelsen. Lennox, however, suffered the 38-20 loss.  Mikkelsen finished the night with 61 yards receiving. Brennen Juffer had four catches on the night for 76 yards. 

George Scott and Mavrick Stockwell led the Orioles defense with six tackles each. Levi Simonsen had two sacks in the game and Nolan Spielman and Leif Karlson each had one. 

The Orioles travel to Vermillion on Friday, Sept. 4 at the DakotaDome. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. Vermillion fell to Canton, 21-7, in their season opener.