Orioles to open season this Friday with state championship rematch

The Lennox High School football team will begin the 2026 season this Friday night with a familiar opponent and a chance to start the year against the team that ended its championship hopes a season ago.

The Orioles will host Sioux Falls Christian at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Sinning Sports Complex in a rematch of last season’s 11A State Championship game. 

The Chargers defeated Lennox 28-24 in last year’s title game. Now, the two teams will meet again — this time in the opening game of the 2026 season and on Lennox’s home field.

For the Orioles, the season opener provides an immediate test as they look to build on last year’s successful campaign while putting together a new team and new season.

Lennox head coach Shawn Flanagan said one of the team’s biggest strengths entering the season is its commitment to one another.

“One of the biggest strengths of this team is our commitment to one another and our willingness to put the team first,” Flanagan said. “We have a group of players who are willing to be unselfish, work for each other, and do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.”

Flanagan said the Orioles will focus on controlling the things they can each day, including their attitude, effort and preparation.

“Moving forward, we will continue to focus on the things we can control — our attitude, our effort, and how we practice every day,” Flanagan said. “We believe that our daily habits, preparation, and commitment to one another will continue to carry us forward throughout the season.”

While Friday’s match-up provides an early opportunity to measure the Orioles against one of the state’s top teams, Flanagan said the ultimate focus remains on the team’s approach throughout the season.

“Our record will show what we accomplish on the field, but the true strength of this team will be defined by our willingness to put each other first, continue to work hard, and be tough when things get difficult,” he said. “If we stay committed to those principles, we will give ourselves the opportunity to accomplish something special together.”

The Orioles return a mix of experienced seniors, returning players and younger athletes who will take on expanded roles in 2026. Seniors include Brennen Juffer, Drake Mikkelsen, Aiden Hanssen, Cameron Smith, Andrew Stensaas, Aden Hodgen, Shayden Olean, Nolyn Spielman, Jevyn Lefers, George Scott, David Bartscher, Benjamin Heibult and Leif Karlson. Juniors include Mavrick Stockwell, Cayden Huls, Blayze Spielman, Maxwell Bisschop, Noah Hanson, Preston Sandal, Isaac Vietor, Augustus Vonhaden, Easton Timmermans, Levi Simonsen, Scout Nelson, Davin Cwach and Hunter Ihnen. Sophomores include Kameron Karlson, Carson Eden, Connor McCready, Zack Hardy, Anthony Heibult, Carter Larson, Chase Flanagan, Kodi Scott, Jaxson Johnson, Maximus Allie, Cohen Soukup, Emmitt Johnson, Peter Hagena, Frederick Scott, Heath Schroeder, Ashton Hermanson and Timothy Schuttloffel. Freshmen include Landry Merrigan, Bennett Hanssen, Grant Veurink, Rigen Kahler, Cayden Hall, Madix Jones, Hudson Thelin, Reid Larson, Alexander Schilling, Ace Reilly, Noah Savage, Triston Sturm, Landon Kolthoff, Maxon Flanagan, and Dodge Ihnen.