Tuesday’s city soccer showdown between Lawrence High and Free State resulted in a 1-1 double-overtime tie, representing the first 1-1 tie in the city series since 2003.

LHS coach Matt Anderson declined to make excuses, but his team arrived back in Lawrence in the wee hours of game day, thanks to a double-overtime, penalty-kick shootout during the championship game of the McPherson Invitational late Monday night.

As a result, the Lions, a more talented squad on paper, looked a step slower to the ball all night long.

Still, Anderson preferred to give credit to the Firebirds instead of laying blame on his squad’s schedule crunch.

“Free State’s vastly improved this year,” Anderson said. “It will fun to see how we both do in the Sunflower League.”

¢ Throws the key: New Lawrence High track and field coach Jack Hood has made no bones about the fact his goal is a Class 6A state championship. The LHS boys clearly have precocious skill with the likes of Kevin Logan (high jump), James Taylor (intermediate distances) and Dylan Hedges (long distances).

However, the chances of the LHS boys repeating as state champs depends largely on the development of a raw but promising group of throwers, including Chebon Dawes. LHS does welcome back javelin ace Brian Houle, but lost Scott Penny – who won gold in both the discus and shot put last spring – to graduation.

Fortunately for the LHS faithful, Hood has his greatest expertise in those events, serving as the Lions’ throw coach before taking over for Scott Stidham as the head coach this spring.

¢ Double duty: Free State softball coach Pam Pine has utilized junior pitcher Catherine Smith in two roles this season – starting pitcher and closer.

Smith (3-0) earned two victories against Olathe Northwest in the season-opening doubleheader, then gained her third victory against Shawnee Mission East on April 4. Smith also earned a save in Free State’s other win against SM East, coming on in relief of younger sister Megan Smith.

¢ Jack of all trades: When the Free State baseball team plays host today to Lawrence High in the first installment of this year’s city showdown, one player to keep an eye on will be junior E.J. Swanson. The versatile Swanson defines the role of a utility player – he plays catcher, outfield and pitcher.

Coach Mike Hill used him as a closer against Blue Valley Northwest on March 23 and has hinted Swanson may be the best option to take over that role from the graduated Scott Heitshusen, who thrived in the role last spring while helping Free State to the Class 6A state title.

Swanson also has displayed power at the plate, smashing a home run and two RBIs against Springfield (Mo.) Glendale on March 31.