With a new coach and zero returning starters, this was supposed to be a down year for Olathe North, the dominant force in Kansas high school football for the last decade.

Right.

Olathe South, a preseason Sunflower League favorite, had to score late to edge the inexperienced Eagles, 21-14, in last weekend’s opener. So much for that off-year speculation.

“I never thought they’d be down,” Lawrence High coach Dirk Wedd said. “They lose to the No. 2 team in the state by a touchdown, and they could have won. They go on the field knowing they’re going to win. They have that swagger, and that hasn’t changed.”

That swagger – and lots of good players – helped Olathe North win 10 of its last 11 meetings with Lawrence High, the dominant force in Kansas high school football before O-North usurped the title.

Now the Lions will have another crack at them.

Kickoff will be at 7 tonight at the Olathe District Activities Complex.

It’s no secret Wedd has a strong team. The Lions, who opened with a 49-7 pasting of Leavenworth on Friday at Haskell Stadium, boast speed, talent and depth. But they still have to prove they can defeat Olathe North.

“They’re monsters,” Wedd said of the Eagles. “They’re a big, fast football team. And they’re tough. That’s how they made their reputation. We have to match that toughness.”

First-year coach Dave Bassone, who left the head coaching job at William Jewell College in order to take over the state’s pre-eminent prep program, hasn’t abandoned the formula. The Eagles still line up and dare opponents to stop their running attack.

For years, it seems, the Eagles have had a tailback named Gore running roughshod over opponents. A few years ago, it was Beano Gore. For the last couple of years, it was Justin Gore.

In fact, in last year’s meeting with the Lions at Haskell Stadium, Justin Gore ran for 234 yards and four touchdowns as the Eagles raced to a 29-0 lead before settling for a 29-8 victory.

Justin Gore was a senior last season, but he’s been replaced by younger brother Jason, a junior who gained 82 yards in 21 carries against Olathe South last week.

“I think this is the last Gore,” Wedd said. “He’s a good one, too. He broke one for 80 yards against us in a sophomore game last year.”

Another junior, A.J. Evans, broke an 85-yard kickoff return in the Olathe South game. North’s other TD came on an 18-yard gallop by fullback Zach Phillips.

Meanwhile, Wedd also relies on a bevy of running backs – notably Nolan Kellerman, Matt Stiles, Nathan Hickey and Richard Demby. Wedd also likes to use wide receiver Brandon Lassiter more on reverses than as a passing target.

All in all, both teams are likely to run, run again, then run some more.

“Most games are over in time for the 10 o’clock news,” Wedd quipped. “This one should make the 9 o’clock news.”

Notes

¢ Regular place-kicker Chris Cates will be with the Lions’ soccer team for tonight’s clash with Free State High, so Abby Vestal will handle the place-kicking duties. Wedd stressed, however, that Vestal wouldn’t be used on the kickoff team. “I don’t want to put her in harm’s way,” Wedd said.

¢ The Lions suffered no serious injuries in the opener, but reserve quarterback Chance Riley will miss at least two more weeks after undergoing an appendectomy two weeks ago.

¢ The Lions will have another Thursday night road game next week. They’ll meet Shawnee Mission North at SM South because the SM North stadium is being renovated. SM South’s field, incidentally, was covered with artificial turf over the summer.