SLP, New Coach Earn Win in Football Opener

The football team got the 2011 season—and Vince Varpness’ Orioles coaching career—off to a good start Thursday night, beating the host North Branch Vikings 22-19 in come-from-behind fashion.

The Vikings went ahead 19-14 with a third quarter touchdown, but St. Louis Park’s defense held from there.

The key sequence came midway through the fourth quarter when St. Louis Park’s defense forced a three-and-out. On the Orioles’ next offensive series, a quarterback sneak by senior Jacolbi Courington-Meier for a touchdown and the ensuing two-point conversion pass to junior Grant Donald put the Orioles ahead to stay.

Courington-Meier scored all three of the team’s touchdowns on runs. He gained 52 yards on the ground and 116 yards passing.

The win came on a hot, humid evening in which Varpness worried about his players’ health even before they took the field.

“It’s a long bus ride up there,” Varpness said. “I was worried about our guys cramping on the bus.”

In fact, Varpness had reason to worry—but not until a little later. Senior running back Desmon Martin left the game at the half when he cramped up. Still, he was the Orioles’ leading rusher on Thursday, picking up 76 yards on the ground.

Senior Jordan Young led the team with 59 yards receiving, while fellow senior Rickey Fugate had three sacks from the defensive end position.

Still, Varpness sees areas where his team can improve as the season progresses.

The Orioles turned the ball over four times on Thursday; North Branch had only one turnover.

“You don’t really win games when you do that,” Varpness said. “[Not turning the ball over] is the big focus this week. That, and special teams.”

The Orioles return to action at 7 pm on Friday, Sept. 9, against Fridley. The game is St. Louis Park’s home opener.