Football Reaches State After Blowout Victory Against Zimmerman

Pete Rovolis, Sports Editor • November 4, 2025

Orono beat Zimmerman 28-0 on Friday, punching their ticket to the state tournament.

On Friday, October 31st, the #1 seed Orono Spartans played the #2 Zimmerman Thunder at home in a thrilling Halloween atmosphere. The Spartans won 28-0, punching their ticket to the state tournament.

With a packed stadium and an anticipating crowd, the game kicked off at 7:00 PM, with high hopes for Orono.

In the first quarter, #13 quarterback Griffin Mauer found #7 Owen Paulson for a 64-yard touchdown, for the first score of the night.

Then, on second and nine in the second quarter, Mauer found junior wide receiver #9 Bennett Halverson for a red-zone touchdown, adding 7 points to the scoreboard after the PAT.

Again, in the second quarter, Mauer threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to #20 Lincoln Stinar. This, after the PAT, made the game 21-0 in favor of the Spartans.

To seal it, Mauer connected again in the red zone on third and six in the fourth quarter with Halverson.

The #3 seed Orono Spartans will play the #2 seed Fergus Falls in the state quarterfinals on Thursday, November 6, at 6:00 PM at Alexandria High School.

About the Contributor

Pete Rovolis, Sports Editor

Hi! My name is Pete Rovolis. I am a junior and this is my first year with The Spartan Speaks. I am the Sports Editor for The Spartan Speaks and I am excited to report about Orono athletics. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, going to the gym, and spending time with my family and friends.