When Lawrence High knocks off perennial power Olathe North in football, it’s news.

“It means the world,” said senior tight end Scott Penny, who caught a 55-yard touchdown pass in the Lions’ 18-13 Thursday-night victory at ODAC.

By defeating the Eagles for only the second time in the last 12 meetings, Lawrence High’s players clearly acquired a healthy dose of self-confidence.

“We beat Leavenworth last week,” said halfback Nolan Kellerman, who also caught a TD pass from quarterback Brian Heere, “but that was Leavenworth. We wanted to prove who we were. That’s what today was.”

Lawrence High overcame three second-half turnovers with a solid defensive performance.

“Any time you beat Olathe North : we have a great deal of respect for their program,” LHS coach Dirk Wedd said. “I truly believe if you want to accomplish anything in the Sunflower League, you have to beat Olathe North.”

The Lions won’t face another league contender until Oct. 6, when they clash with Olathe South. Two other league powers – Olathe East and Shawnee Mission West – aren’t on the Lions’ schedule.

Thursday’s victory wasn’t without cost. The Lions lost senior guard Paul Finch to a knee injury late in the first quarter.

“He’s probably out for the year,” Wedd said. “It’s a huge loss. He’s one of our top four or five players.”

The Lions will meet Shawnee Mission North on Thursday at SM South District Stadium.