If you need proof that the Lawrence High football team stepped up its intensity in practice this week, take a look at the club on Scott Penny’s left arm.

Penny, a junior tight end/linebacker, broke a bone in his hand during a practice earlier this week and now has the appendage wrapped in a black cast. Still, he is expected to play when LHS plays host to Olathe North at 7:30 tonight at Haskell Stadium.

After all, the Lions know they didn’t prove much in last week’s 20-14 loss to Leavenworth, and Penny won’t sit out any chance he has to help turn things around.

“It really got me motivated,” Penny said of the loss. “I know we’re better than that.”

Though Leavenworth is much improved, the Lions didn’t bring their best game Friday. Leavenworth scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and one in the second but was shut out the rest of the game, evidence that it took LHS longer than desired to get focused.

Don’t expect that to be the case tonight. If it is, it could get ugly in a hurry because Olathe North, the four-time defending state champion, is as strong as ever. Led by running back Justin Gore, his brother, wide receiver Jason Gore, quarterback/defensive back Dustin Moomau and a physical and experienced offensive line, the Eagles cruised to a 31-7 victory over Olathe South in their opener last week.

Against the Falcons, O-North ran the ball well, like always, compiling 166 yards and two scores. The passing, though, was new. O-North threw for 224 yards, including 182 hauled in by Jason Gore on four catches.

Regardless, LHS coach Dirk Wedd won’t expect a lot of passing. That’s not the Olathe North way.

“I don’t think you can go into an Olathe North game,” Wedd said, “and not worry about their running game first.”

Meanwhile, Lawrence (0-1) will have to find a way to get its running game going. A makeover on the offensive line will be tested this week, where as many as three sophomores could start. Last week, the line struggled to contain Leavenworth, leading to just 55 rushing yards on 36 carries.

“It was effort,” Wedd said. “We’re getting across to the kids that we’ve got to go hard for 48 minutes. We’ve got to be ready to play.”