Orioles roll past Milbank, 49-14; Mikkelsen sets State record

With 44 career touchdown receptions, Drake Mikkelsen broke the state’s all-time record of 43. He is pictured above pulling down a catch during the Orioles’ match-up against Milbank. Mikkelsen scored two touchdowns in the game to break the record. Photo by Trey Gerdes | T-Ray Media

The Lennox Orioles traveled to Milbank on Friday, Sept. 25, and returned home with a 49-14 victory, improving their record to 4-1 with a strong offensive performance.

Lennox totaled 449 yards of offense on 69 plays, including 230 passing yards and 219 rushing yards. The Orioles also converted 11 of 15 third-down attempts and recorded 21 first downs.

Cayden Huls completed 18 of 26 passes for 230 yards and four touchdowns. Drake Mikkelsen led the receiving corps with seven catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Mikkelsen’s two touchdown receptions also helped him make South Dakota history. With 44 career touchdown receptions, he broke the state’s all-time record of 43, previously held by Jaxon Janke of Madison and Jack Smith of Sioux Falls Lincoln. Janke played for Madison from 2015-17, while Smith played for Sioux Falls Lincoln from 2021-23.

Mikkelsen caught touchdown passes of 23 and 32 yards against Milbank.

Brennen Juffer added three receptions for 55 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown reception, Bennett Hanssen had three catches for 19 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown reception. Hanssen also rushed for 43 yards on three carries. 

Leading the ground attack was Shayden Olean who led the Orioles with 22 carries for 120 yards and one touchdown. Olean scored on a 40 yard run.

Huls carried the ball 11 times for 63 yards and scored twice, running it in on a seven yard run and a five yard run. 

The Orioles finished with 219 rushing yards compared to just four rushing yards for Milbank. Lennox held Milbank to 154 total yards and only eight first downs.

Defensively, Lennox recorded four interceptions and held Milbank to 0-for-8 on third-down conversions. Maverick Stockwell had two of the interceptions and Blaze Spielman and Mikkelsen were credited with the other two. 

Leading the team in tackles was Preston Sandal who had eight tackles in the game. George Scott had four and Ace Reilly had three. 

The Orioles head to Hartford this Friday, Oct. 2, to take on the 4-1 West Central Trojans at 7 p.m. West Central defeated Mitchell 34-20 this past Friday and has recorded wins over Tri-Valley (48-0), Milbank (56-6), and Dakota Valley (37-0). The lone loss was to Sioux Falls Christian (28-0).