Ryan Wood’s Weekly Football Report

Area Top Five

Dropped out: De Soto (5-3)

School Record Previous Last Week This Week Comment
1. Ottawa 7-1 2 beat Burlington, 51-26 vs. Osawatomie Second straight 50-plus point effort
2. Tonganoxie 7-1 3 beat Basehor-Linwood, 17-12 at Lansing Squeaked past B-L in crucial district contest
3. Baldwin 6-2 1 lost to Topeka Hayden, 19-16 vs. Perry-Lecompton Still makes state playoffs with win
4. Eudora 6-2 4 beat Kansas City Ward, 13-0 at Mill Valley Win Thursday earns one more home game
5. Mill Valley 4-4 NR beat De Soto, 35-7 vs. Eudora Back on track after monthlong unlucky slide

Players of the Week

City

Josh Lawrence

Lawrence

HT: 6-3. WT: 220.

Class: Senior.

Position: Tight end/defensive line.

The Game: Lawrence was a vital part of the LHS defense that refused Free State any offensive fireworks, and the senior helped put the game out of reach in the Lions’ 21-6 victory Friday. Lawrence had a 40-yard reception that set up a short touchdown run by junior Jeff Colter, giving LHS a 14-0 lead in the third quarter. The Lions won their second straight in the intracity series.

Comment: “He’s been in a tough situation because we moved him inside on defense,” LHS coach Dirk Wedd said. “He really adjusted and became an outstanding defensive lineman. He’s been a great blocker at tight end, too. If we threw the ball more, he’d be one of the leading receivers in the state. His hands are that good.”

Honorable Mention: Jeff Colter, junior, Lawrence; Cole Douglas, senior, Free State.

Area

Brendan Jackson

Eudora

HT: 6-1. WT: 200.

Class: Junior.

Position: Fullback.

The game: Eudora’s bruising fullback gave the Cardinals plenty of firepower in their 13-0 victory over Kansas City Ward. Jackson rushed 14 times for 153 yards, scoring on touchdown runs of 26 and 61 yards in the third quarter. Jackson had 104 of his yards in the third quarter, helping lead Eudora to a 2-0 record in Class 4A, District 4, and a 6-2 record overall. A win Thursday will give Eudora a first-round home game in the 4A state playoffs.

Comment: “The first (touchdown) was a great individual effort by him,” Eudora coach Gregg Webb said. “He just broke a few tackles and stayed on his feet. That play wasn’t designed to be a big play.”

Honorable Mention: Jason Houston, senior, Ottawa; Kevin Stewart, sophomore, McLouth.