Orioles look to build on championship season as 2025 season kicks-off this Friday

The Lennox High School Orioles return to the gridiron this fall with a target on their backs and confidence in their stride. Fresh off their first State A Championship title since 1982, the Orioles open the 2025 season at home this Friday, Aug. 29, against Vermillion. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Lennox.

Head coach Shawn Flanagan said the message to his players remains simple. “We’re very excited for the new season and the challenges ahead,” Flanagan said. “Our main focus is simple: get better every day and on every play. It may sound cliché, but that’s truly the best way to be successful—focus on what you can do now to improve yourself and help the people around you get better, too.”

The Orioles graduated several key players from last year’s historic squad, including quarterback Boston Katzer, who played a pivotal role in guiding Lennox to the championship. Stepping into the role under center is senior newcomer Jhaimann Huntington, a 6’3” signal-caller who will be tasked with leading the offense. But Flanagan said it is about team not individual — noting that every player can contribute in their own way, whether through stats, scout team work, leadership, or simply making teammates better. 

“This year, we want to emphasize the team over any individual,” Flanagan noted. “We have many talented players returning and, of course, we lost some great ones from last year. But the beauty of a new season is that last year—good or bad—doesn’t define this one. Our past success came from playing together, improving as the season went on, and putting the team first. That’s the same formula we’ll use again.”

Offensively, Flanagan said the focus will be on execution. 

“Our key is always to score more points than our opponent, whether that’s through running, passing, or a combination of both,” said Flanagan. “Limiting turnovers, converting in the red zone, and being a multiple-threat offense will be important for us.”

Defensively, the formula is no different. 

“The focus will be on stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback, limiting big plays, tackling well, and executing assignments at a high level,” Flanagan said. “On special teams, we aim to prevent big plays and create some of our own. Across all phases, the formula is the same—practice hard, have a great attitude, focus on your job, put the team first, and give tremendous effort.”

The Orioles boast a deep roster and Flanagan is excited what he has seen so far. 

“So far in the first week of practice, we’ve gotten better every day. Many players worked hard in the offseason to get stronger and faster, which benefits us in all sports. I’m most excited to see which players step up as leaders and take the reins to guide the team,” he added. 

The community is also rallying around the program, with a recent poster signing drawing a strong turnout. 

“The community came out in force, and it’s clear there’s a lot of excitement for the season ahead,” Flanagan said.

After Friday’s season opener against Vermillion, the Orioles will travel to Custer on Sept. 5 before facing Sioux Falls Christian on Sept. 12 on the road. Homecoming is set for Sept. 19, when Lennox will host rival West Central. Other notable matchups include Dakota Valley (Sept. 26), Canton (Oct. 3), Madison (Oct. 10), Tri-Valley (Oct. 17), and Dell Rapids (Oct. 23) to close out the regular season.

The 2025 Lennox High School Oriole rosters includes: Jyler Antione, Nate Arens, Wyatt Bult, Jacob Capon, Talen Eich, Tate Gerdes, Gavin Horner, Jhaimann Huntington, Cloy McVey, Teegan Musser, Preston Otte, Mason Reischl, Jacob Richart, Weston Richarz, Cole Spieler, Max Weeldreyer, Ramsey Williams, David Bartscher, Ethan Eitreim, Thomas Elledge, Aiden Hannson, Benjamin Heibult, James Hermanson, Jayden Hopf, Brennen Juffer, Leif Karlson, Larson Caysen, Jevyn Lefers, Drake Mikkelsen, Shayden Olean, Madix Oltman, George Scott, Cameron Smith, Nolyn Speilmann, Andrew Stensas, Maxwell Bisschop, Davin Cwach, Noah Hanson, Karter Herren, Cayden Huls, Hunter Ihnen, Rylan Langbehn, Scout Nelson, Preston Sandal, Blayze Spielman, Stockwell Mavrick, Easton Timmermans, Isaac Vietor, Gus VonHaden, Max Allie, Carson Eden, Chase Flanagan, Peter Hagena, Zack Hardy, Ashton Hermanson, Emmitt Johnson, Jaxon Johnson, Kameron Karlson, Connor McCready, Heath Schroeder, Carter Larsen, Tim Schuttloffel, Frederick Scott, Kodi Scott, Cohen Soukup, Sullivan Weeldreyer, Jack Wildeboer; and Managers: Alexis Apple, Makenna Kitrell, and Olivia Ellredige