The Big Lake football team was on the road last Friday where they were defeated 30-0 by the Orono Spartans. 

After a competitive first quarter one Big Lake turnover and a six-play stretch just before the half swung the momentum in the Spartans’ favor. 

The opening quarter was all about defense. Neither offense was able to generate much of anything which led to both teams trading punts for most of the first 12 minutes. Until a Big Lake interception gave Orono excellent field position just before the end of the quarter. The Spartans scored a few minutes later on a six-yard carry and a successful two-point try made the score 8-0. 

After the Hornets were forced to punt on their next possession it looked like the Spartans were going to extend their lead. A 43-yard pass by Orono set them up inside the Big Lake 15. But junior safety CJ Mikely picked off the ensuing Spartan pass and returned it 30 yards before being brought down. However, the Hornets were unable to capitalize off the turnover. 

Mikely was one of a few Big Lake defenders who filled up the stat sheet. Junior linebacker Braedeyn Wemple led the team with 14 total tackles and added one tackle for loss. Tanner Muenkel, another junior linebacker, contributed eight tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. And, along with his interception, Mikely had 10 total tackles. 

With just a few minutes left in the half it looked as though the momentum was swinging the Hornets’ way. A bad snap by the Spartans on second down and a sack on third down had Orono facing a bizarre fourth and 45. After the punt Big Lake had the ball near midfield with just over three minutes remaining. 

The drive really started after a nifty play from quarterback Carson Gellerman on second down. With multiple defenders bearing down on him, he evaded pressure and flicked the ball a few yards downfield to the running back Trent Josewski who turned up field for a 16-yard gain. Two plays later the Hornets were in the red zone after a great run by Gellerman. But that’s as far as Big Lake would get. A penalty and two sacks, one on fourth down, gave Orono the ball back with 40 seconds left in the half. Three plays and a successful two-point conversion later it was 16-0 at halftime. 

The Hornets were unable to generate much offense in the second half and the Spartans scored twice in the third quarter to make the final 30-0. 

For Big Lake, Gellerman finished 9/16 with 64 yards passing and two interceptions. He also had 38 yards on the ground. Josewski was the leading rusher again with 43 yards rushing and added 18 yards receiving. 

The team will be on the road once again as they head to Mound Westonka and take on the White Hawks this Friday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.