Kickers in limelight at LHS scrimmage

Abby Vestal and Chris Cates were standing by themselves on the sideline when a Lawrence High assistant football coach told them what they already knew.

“They’re cheering you two,” he said, “louder than anyone else.”

Though the two combined for only eight plays, they seemed to get more than their share of support from the LHS faithful in the Lions’ scrimmage Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The encouragement especially revolved around Vestal, who received one of the loudest cheers during her first point-after attempt despite the fact she missed it wide right.

Vestal, who is the first Lawrence High girl ever to try out for place-kicker, finished the day 2-for-4 on extra-point attempts, settling down after missing her first two.

Cates made all four of his PAT attempts.

“They both did really well,” LHS coach Dirk Wedd said. “That’s what it’s all about – putting a little pressure and competition. That’s why I wanted Abby out. I wanted her to compete for the position. Chris has done a great job of accepting the challenge.”

LHS quarterback Brian Heere, left, receives instruction from coach Dirk Wedd. The Lions scrimmaged Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Though the crowd was focused mostly on the kickers, Wedd was most impressed with the number of players who performed well in the scrimmage.

“I think what’s most exciting is that we have a bunch of football players. Our depth is pretty good,” Wedd said. “We ran our No. 1s against our No. 2s, and our 1s struggled.”

Quarterback Brian Heere took part of the blame for the sluggishness on offense.

The 5-foot-10 senior missed the first few days of practice after playing for the Lawrence Raiders’ Legion baseball team at the Central Plains Regionals in Mandan, N.D.

“I’m getting into shape,” Heere said. “Today was my first day of pads, so I was a little rusty throwing the ball.”

The offense still had its share of highlights, led by running back Nathan Hickey and wide receiver Brandon Lassiter.

Hickey finished the first offensive possession with a two-yard touchdown run, then later bounced off a defender to the outside for a 25-yard score.

Lassiter showed his vertical ability during the seventh possession, going over the top of a defensive back for an athletic 11-yard touchdown reception from Heere.

The 5-10 receiver led the Lions last year with 12 catches for 240 yards.

“When the ball’s in the air, he believes it’s his football,” Wedd said. “That’s the sign of a great receiver.”

Heere finished the day with three touchdown passes, including a 35-yard strike down the middle to tight end Scott Penny.

Running back Nolan Kellerman added a 29-yard touchdown run.

“We had a good day today,” Heere said. “We had some kids flying around and making some good hits. We’re just trying to get back into things.”

Wedd and his coaching staff still have two weeks to figure out how best to utilize their newfound depth.

“We’ve got to find all the pieces and fit them together,” Wedd said, “but I’m pretty excited about the number of football players we have that can play.”