It was a perfect opportunity for some youngsters to quickly grow up.

Lawrence High’s 42-28 football victory last week against Olathe South certainly tested the instincts and talents of the Lions’ secondary. Falcon quarterback Matt Schneider, with a cannon for an arm and four quality receivers, threw the ball 48 times, completing 29 of them for 334 yards.

“We knew going in that they liked to throw the football,” Lions coach Dirk Wedd said. “I thought they’d probably throw it 40 or 50 times.”

It’s a big difference from what most high school teams are used to. Schneider’s arm is used almost twice as much as any other quarterback in the Sunflower League. So, did LHS pass the test?

“Our young secondary has grown with every snap,” Wedd said. “I could see them get better with every single snap.”

To complicate things even more, Falcon running back Shawn Allen also had a respectable game, rushing the ball 16 times for 101 yards. A complete offense like Olathe South’s certainly helped mature a youthful secondary and not a moment too soon. Lawrence’s next test is Olathe North, the defending Class 6A state champ with a perfect 4-0 record this season.

“Their progress is not quite as fast as I’d like,” Wedd said. “but they’re learning and I’m seeing some positives out of them.”

He’s back: LHS defensive end Jack Bell, who was hampered early in the season because of an illness, was the Lions’ most noticeable force on defense against the Falcons. The junior recorded two sacks on Friday, and also picked a Schneider pass on Olathe South’s opening drive. Running back Chris Fulton scored on an 81-yard touchdown run just two plays later.