Lawrence High senior receiver Jared Vinoverski breaks up the field after a reception during the first half against Washburn Rural, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 at Haskell Stadium.

Because of a serious illness suffered by Lawrence High wideout Jared Vinoverski this fall, he and Free State High linebacker Mike Santee never got the chance to line up against each other on the gridiron.

But the two should have more than enough time to make up for that during the next four or five years at practice.

Today, at their respective schools, both Vinoverski and Santee were expected to sign national letters of intent to play football at Drake University.

Although the two Lawrence products played their high school ball at rival schools, their early introductions to the game they love came at the same place – as budding stars for the Southwest Junior High Bulldogs.

Ironically, after three years as Lions and Firebirds, signing with Drake provides both players a chance to return to their roots as Bulldogs.

“It’s pretty cool,” Vinoverski said. “It was fun back in the day when we were at Southwest playing basketball and football as Bulldogs, and now we get to be Bulldogs again.”

After seeing their friendship drift apart after ninth grade, Vinoverski and Santee became reacquainted on the recruiting trail. The two made their official visit to Drake together and more or less decided while they were at the Des Moines, Iowa, college that it was the right fit for them.

“There just wasn’t one thing about the school that I didn’t love,” Santee said. “I’ve always wanted to get away. This will be a nice change of scenery, new places and new faces. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Vinoverski echoed Santee’s sentiments about the school, saying that Drake had everything he could’ve asked for in athletics, academics and environment.

Santee said most freshmen red-shirt during their first season at Drake and both he and Vinoverski are prepared to do so next fall.

Until then, they’re planning to hit the weight room hard this spring in an attempt to get bigger and stronger as they prepare to become a part of college football.

Free State seniors Craig Rosenstengle (quarterback, Butler County Community College) and Ryder Werts (linebacker, Baker University) along with Lawrence High senior Quintin Rucker (defensive end, Coffeyville Community College) also were expected to sign their letters of intent today.

In addition, LHS senior Tyler Hunt has been invited to walk on at Kansas University.