As the 2024 football season approaches, the Lennox High School Orioles are gearing up for another competitive year in Class 11A with their first game of the season slated for this Friday, Aug. 30 at Vermillion. Head Coach Shawn Flanagan, entering his second season with Lennox, is optimistic about the upcoming season, emphasizing fundamentals and team unity as the keys to success.
Assisting Flanagan this season will be Jason Mellegard, Chris Kruse, Matt Hanson, Casey Vietor, Cody Newbrough, Patrick Sees, Blake Gessner, Steve Hale, Justin Breske, Nathan DeWitt, and Clint Johnson.
Last season, the Orioles finished with a 6-5 record, showing resilience and determination on the field. They kicked off the year with notable wins against Chamberlain and Vermillion but faced tough losses against formidable opponents like Canton and Sioux Falls Christian. Despite the setbacks, Lennox rallied in the playoffs, securing a victory over Canton before falling to West Central.
Once again the 2024 schedule promises more challenging matchups, including away games against Vermillion, West Central, and Madison. With a strong lineup of returning starters, Flanagan is confident that the team can rise to the occasion.
Key returning defensive players include Teegan Musser, Ramsey Williams, Tate Gerdes, Journey Noisy Hawk-Ellis, Nate Haar, and Emory Lefers. While the offense will rely on the leadership of quarterback Boston Katzer and running backs Corban Hanneman and Tate Gerdes.
Also back will be tight end Talen Eich and receivers Layton Smith, Drake Mikkelsen, and Chase Faulds.
Last season the team averaged 221 yards passing per game and 105 rushing. Defensively the Orioles gave up an average of 110 yards per game and 150 on the ground.
Flanagan stressed the importance of focusing on the fundamentals and playing smart, aggressive football. “
“We need to be sound in our defensive assignments, great tacklers, running to the ball and super aggressive while being smart, and not allowing the offense to score on big plays,” said Flanagan. “Our offense needs to be able to put drives together that score when we are in the red zone, limiting turnovers, being physical and wearing teams down in order to always be in the game if we are behind or putting a game away in the fourth quarter,” Flanagan continued.
Flanagan is particularly proud of his team’s mindset, noting that the players prioritize team success over individual achievements.
“Our players put the team first and care more about team success than their own,” he emphasized. This team-first mentality is expected to be a driving force throughout the season.
Every game poses a challenge, but Flanagan’s philosophy is clear: the toughest opponent is the one they face each Friday night. With this mindset, the Orioles are preparing to give their all in every matchup, striving to play harder, faster, and with fewer mistakes than their opponents.
“We expect every team to give us their top performance and come prepared to win. We have to rise to the challenge and be able to play harder, faster, and make fewer mistakes than the opponent,” said Flanagan. “We need to be better Monday-Thursday in order to win on Friday nights.”
Flanagan’s goals for the season are straightforward: “Compete in every game and practice at a high level, with great effort, attitudes, and focus. We want to put the team before the person, no matter who we play and what day it is.”
As Lennox prepares for their season opener against Vermillion on August 30th, the Orioles are united in their commitment to improvement and success. With a balanced approach to the physical and mental demands of the season, Flanagan is determined to make the most of every opportunity.
“Every game will be tough, but we are ready to play together and perform with great effort and a high level of execution,” Flanagan added.
Following their season opener on Aug. 30, the Orioles will hold their home opener on Sept. 6 against Custer in a 6 p.m. match-up. They will host Sioux Falls Christian at home on Sept. 13 in a 7 p.m. game. On Sept. 20 they travel to West Central and on Sept. 27 they will be at home again in the Homecoming match-up against Dakota Valley. On Oct. 4 the team competes in Canton. On Oct. 11 they will be at Madison, on Oct. 18 they host Tri-Valley and on Oct. 24 they host Dell Rapids in the final regular season game.
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