Orioles finish as State Runner-Up in DakotaDome rematch

The Lennox High School Orioles, the defending State 11A football champions, returned to the DakotaDome in Vermillion on Saturday, Nov. 15, for a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s title game against Sioux Falls Christian. What unfolded was a late back-and-forth battle that saw the Chargers rally late to secure a 28-24 victory, giving them their first Class 11A State Title and handing Lennox a State Runner-up finish.  

Lennox opened the game on fire, dominating the first quarter with 17 unanswered points. The Orioles set the tone early when quarterback Jhaimann Huntington connected with Drake Mikkelsen for a 20-yard touchdown at the 7:05 mark. The point after by Cloy McVey put the Orioles up, 7-0. Just minutes later, the duo struck again—this time from 21 yards out—to push the lead to 14-0, following another successful point after by McVey. 

As the quarter expired, McVey drilled a 32-yard field goal to cap the explosive start by the Orioles. 

Sioux Falls Christian responded in the second quarter with momentum of its own. Quarterback Canyon Prins put the Chargers on the board with a two-yard keeper midway through the period. With 1:21 left in the half, Jensen Pixler powered in from four yards out, trimming Lennox’s lead to 17-14 at halftime.

Lennox extended its advantage early in the third when Huntington broke free for a six-yard rushing touchdown, completing an impressive 81-yard drive to go up 24-14. Sioux Falls Christian answered quickly, however, as Cooper Strande found Nicholas Popkes for a 45-yard strike to make it 24-21 heading into the fourth.

The Chargers scored with 6:49 remaining in the game when C. Prins connected with Jude Prins on a 45-yard touchdown pass, giving Sioux Falls Christian its first lead of the day at 28-24—a score that would hold until the final whistle. Lennox had a chance in the final minute but back to back incomplete passes ended their season just shy of the title. 

“This season was a success. Our players showed heart, toughness, and commitment to the team from start to finish. After starting 2‑2, we rebounded to finish strong, winning seven games in a row,” said LHS head coach Shawn Flanagan. “The improvement we saw from the beginning to the end of the season was remarkable, and as coaches, we couldn’t ask for more.”

Despite the loss, Lennox put up strong offensive numbers, finishing with 311 total yards compared to Sioux Falls Christian’s 327. Huntington threw for 263 yards on 17 completions and added both a passing and rushing touchdown. Mikkelsen led all receivers with nine catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Flanagan was proud of the team’s effort. 

“The will to win was evident throughout the season, and that’s what matters most. Teaching these young men that the process is more important than the outcome — focusing on the details — sets the foundation for long-term success,” said Flanagan. “Even when results don’t always go your way, the lessons learned carry forward.”

Tate Gerdes finished the game with four grabs for 57 yards. Talen Eich had two catches for 36 yards, Brennen Juffer one for 24 and Ramsey Williams one for 16.

On the ground, Huntington rushed for 27 yards, Williams 16 yards and Gerdes five. 

Defensively, Jevyn Lefers anchored the unit with 15 total tackles, including three tackles for loss. He also combined with Nolan Spielman for a sack and had one forced fumble. Ramsey Williams added nine tackles and a sack, while Tate Gerdes recovered a fumble for the Orioles, along with his eight tackles. Cole Spieler had an interception in the game and had three tackles.  Spielman finished with six tackles, Ben Heibult had six tackles and Gavin Horner and Max Weeldreyer each had three tackles in the game. Aiden Hanssen and Teegan Musser each had one and Mason Reischl, Huntington, Juffer, and Leif Karlson each had one. 

Flanagan noted that the program’s success was built on widespread support. 

“I want to especially thank our community members, the school district, parents, and players who gave so much time and effort to support this program. Without that support, we would not have achieved the success we did,” said Flanagan. “Your commitment and dedication are evident in every aspect of this season and have made a lasting impact.”

The Orioles controlled possession for just over 24 minutes and converted on three of five red-zone opportunities, but the Chargers’ big plays proved decisive down the stretch.

In the end, Flanagan said the team’s takeaway should reach beyond football.

“I hope our players take away that putting others first, giving your best effort, and maintaining a positive attitude will serve them well not only in football but in everything they do in life,” added Flanagan.