Lions looking for redemption

One thing is certain: Lawrence High remembers.

After posting 27 consecutive football victories over Sunflower League foe Leavenworth, it has been difficult for Lawrence players to forget about last season’s 20-14 season-opening loss to the Pioneers.

In fact, it seems many of the Lions still haven’t forgotten.

“I think we have a lot to show the state,” LHS linebacker Scott Penny said. “We thought it was going to be a pushover last year and totally got embarrassed. It’s definitely in the back of our heads going into this game.”

Lawrence will get its chance at revenge in the season opener tonight, taking on Leavenworth at 7:30 p.m. at Haskell Stadium.

“Unfortunately for the senior class last year, they didn’t have another chance at it,” Penny said. “But we do.”

The loss to Leavenworth had long-lasting effects on a young 2004 team.

After the opening setback, the Lions went on to lose four of their first six games before finishing 5-6.

“I don’t think it was a disappointing season last year,” coach Dirk Wedd said. “I think it was a disappointing start.”

Lawrence finished on a roll, winning three of its last five and taking state runner-up Olathe South to overtime before losing, 20-14, in the playoffs.

Wedd said he believed this year’s team, which returns 16 starters, would be able to build from the late-season success.

“Of all teams we’ve had here the last 10 years, this one’s probably as ready as any of them because they’re so experienced,” Wedd said. “We really need a football game to see where we’re at. We’ve had a good week of practice, but they’re ready to hit somebody else.”

To keep his team focused, Wedd sat his team down to watch video of last year’s game against Leavenworth.

Leavenworth at Lawrence

What: Football season opener for both teams
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Haskell Stadium
Last year: Leavenworth won, 20-14

The message seemed to get through pretty clearly.

“It looked like there was no energy and no emotion in our playing,” Penny said. “That’s definitely something we’ve been talking about and want to change.”

Leavenworth, which finished 4-5 last year, returns seven starters. That includes senior running back Kenny Burns, who lit up the Lions with 105 yards on 21 carries last season.

Penny said the Lions were ready for a new season – and a fresh start.

“All last year it seemed like we were digging ourselves a hole,” Penny said. “That’s definitely not what we want to be doing this year.”