Both the Lawrence High and Free State football teams wasted little time lighting up the scoreboard in their respective victories Friday night.

And they did so in perfect sync.

Wide receiver Craig Rosenstengle put Free State on the board just 16 seconds into the Firebirds’ 37-21 victory against Olathe South at the Olathe District Activities Center, hauling in a 67-yard strike from quarterback Ryan Murphy.

Fast-forward a half-hour for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Haskell Stadium, and LHS return ace Nathan Padia matched that quick-strike success, also using 16 seconds to return the opening kickoff 95 yards in the Lions’ 48-7 victory against Leavenworth.

More Padia: The senior wide receiver/return man, who has scored a touchdown in every game this season, garnered 273 all-purpose yards Friday. In addition to his game-opening gallop, he also returned a punt 75 yards for a score just before halftime.

Not so special: While LHS looked strong against Leavenworth, the Lions did experience some problems in the kicking game. Abby Vestal missed an extra point and a 29-yard field goal, perhaps a side effect of Paul Finch having to fill in for injured center Shawn Jimboy on the deep snaps.

Considering the lineup shuffle, LHS coach Dirk Wedd praised their performance.

“Finchy had to snap the first time,” Wedd said. “He did a good job, and Abby did a great job of kicking, and Chance (Riley) did a good job of holding.”

Ms. Consistency: One week after posting a career-best 94 at the Firebird Invitational, Free State junior Katy Hoffman matched that with a 94 during rainy conditions Thursday at the Lawrence High School Invitational at Alvamar Golf Course.

Baby steps: LHS junior Mallory West, the state’s two-time defending all-around gymnastics champion, only competed in two events Saturday at the Free State Invitational. She placed fourth on the bars and second on the beam.

West, who underwent reconstructive ankle surgery in March, has curtailed her routine to prevent further injury. However, she expects to participate in all four events by the end of the gymnastic season.