Mired in a frustrating skid of losing and losing players, Lawrence High football coach Dirk Wedd is excited to see any change — even if it’s something small.

“The change of pace might help us,” Wedd said. “Maybe we’re destined to be a Thursday night team.”

If that’s the case, it could be a good night for Lawrence High. The Lions take on Shawnee Mission East at 7 tonight at SM South. The game will be broadcast live on KLWN 1320.

Lawrence will play its lone Thursday game of the year tonight and wants badly to earn the team’s first victory of 2004. After losses to Leavenworth, Olathe North and SM North, Wedd has been pleased with his squad’s intensity this week.

“We’ve had really good practices,” Wedd said. “We put some new things in and got better on some old things. We’re excited to see where we’re at.”

Lawrence (0-3 overall, 0-2 Sunflower League) will be healthier tonight. Seniors Ian Handshy and Aaron Kie had a full week of practice and will start after missing starts last week because of illness and injury.

The only significant question mark right now is the status of Jeff Colter, Lawrence’s decorated running back/cornerback. Colter missed last week’s game because of illness, but has been practicing with the team this week in a limited role.

Nolan Kellerman, who rushed for 153 yards last week, will start again at halfback, but Colter will be on the sidelines ready to work when called upon.

“We’re going to try to use him some,” Wedd said, “but I just don’t think he’s back to 100 percent.”

6Sports video: Winless Lions need breakthrough

SM East (2-1, 1-1) fell last week to Olathe East but topped SM Northwest and Olathe Northwest to start the season. The Lancers are led defensively by big-hitting linebacker Logan Rutherford and had a pleasant offensive surprise this season in sophomore Colin Hertel, a playmaking running back that already has rushed for 430 yards — including 239 in the season opener.

“Their coach said the he’s the next Darren Sproles,” Wedd said of the former Olathe North and current Kansas State running back. “He looks like a very elusive kid, and he has some good quickness.”

Lawrence will play its next two games at SM South. Next week is a Friday night matchup against the Raiders.