Four Wins in a Row for SLP Orioles

 It was no rhapsody in the rain for Orono kicker Jack Kalman as he missed a game winning field goal Friday night that resulted in the host St. Louis Park Orioles beating the Spartans 22-21.  

Neither team would reach the end zone in the first quarter.  The Orioles would strike first in the second quarter when Will Dvorak's 42 yard keeper run set up Deontez Ross Jr.'s eight yard touchdown run to give them a 6-0 lead.  The Spartans would vault ahead on Aidan Mueller's six yard run and a converted extra point to put them ahead 7-6.  But St. Louis Park would regain the lead as Dvorak fired a 33 yard touchdown pass to Stefano Giovannelli and the Orioles led at halftime 12-7.  

St. Louis Park would add a Nick Knt field goal in the third quarter to take a 15-7 lead that was proceeded by Ross' 36 yard run.  

On to the fourth quarter as a downpour engulfed the St. Louis Park stadium.  The game would go on and Orono would tally twice.  The first would come on a 12 yard touchdown pass from Charlie Kraus to Connor Mahoney.  The two point conversion was successful and the game was even at 15.  The Spartans would forge ahead as Kraus faced a fourth down and two situation.  He converted on a 20 yard strike to Bradley Walker but the extra point attempt was blocked and Orono led 21-15.  The Orioles would get the ball back following a Spartan fumble and they paid dividends off the Orono turnover when Dvorak sent a 50 yard right side pass to Stanley Regguinti and he went to the end zone to put St. Louis Park ahead.  Orono had a chance to send their fans down I-394 home happy.  It would be first and goal at the Oriole nine yard line following a pass interference penalty.  Kalman would attempt the game winning field goal.  He got the snap on the wet turf, aimed the ball toward the goal posts and it would go wide to the right, securing the win for the Orioles.  

St. Louis Park won their fourth straight game and improved their record to 4-1.  They will travel to Richfield to face the Holy Angels Stars on Fridau, October 8 at 7 PM.  Orono fell to 1-4 and will also be in action on the 8th, hosting the Chaska Hawks at Pesonen Stadium at 7 PM.