Last Friday night, the fans in Pesonen Stadium were rowdy as ever and also nervous as ever. The Orono Spartans Football Team faced off against the Big Lake Hornets for the section 6 final title. In the 66 years of football participation, Orono has participated in state three times; the last time Orono went to state was in 2008. Players were anxious but also confident that they were going to make history on Friday. The Spartans defeated the Hornets 48-38 and are advancing to state.

Orono’s regular season record was 5-4 and Big Lake’s regular season record was 4-4. Big Lake was seeded fourth in section 6 and Orono was seeded third, so the game was a toss up. Within the first four minutes, both teams got a touchdown and a field goal-by then everyone knew it was going to be a tight game.

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There were very notable plays executed by the Spartans. During the third quarter, sophomore quarterback Nick Prentice passed the ball to junior Jarvis Thomas, who caught it and ran down the field for an 81-yard touchdown. Shortly after, the Spartans scored a touchdown from a 25 yard pass from Prentice to junior Caleb Olson. Senior captain Max Kahn also cleaned up with three touchdowns for the Spartans. All players worked together and their passion was definitely seen throughout the game.

The next game for Orono is versus Rocori on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 at St. Cloud State University Stadium at 8 p.m.. Tickets for the game will be available to purchase in the OHS Office Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. The office asks that students and parents do not come any earlier to purchase tickets. The tickets will be available at the office Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets are $6 for students K-12 and $9 for adults.