Firebirds’ Hunter has shot at 1,000 yards

Despite missing the Leavenworth game two weeks ago because of an ankle injury, Free State running back Chucky Hunter still has a shot at his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season.

Hunter, who ran for 1,090 yards in 10 games last year, has 902 yards going into Friday’s regular-season finale against Olathe Northwest at Haskell Stadium.

Hunter was used primarily as a receiver during his sophomore year, leading the Firebirds in receptions with 44.

LHS volleyball player boasts good genes

Lawrence High sophomore Lillian Schonewise is a daughter of former Kansas University volleyball coach Karen Schonewise.

Just a sophomore, Lillian has played a crucial role in helping the Lions reach the state tournament this weekend in Topeka.

Her mother, KU’s head coach from 1994-97, was an All-American volleyball player at Nebraska. Her father, Quintin Schonewise, is a former KU football lineman.

Lions’ Sims has been gobbling yards lately

Lawrence High running back Clifton Sims is on a sizz with 336 yards rushing in the last two games – 210 against Olathe Northwest and 126 against Free State.

If the Lions qualify for a Class 6A playoffs berth, Sims might have a chance at reaching the 1,000-yard plateau. The 5-5, 175-pound senior has 752 rushing yards going into Friday night’s regular-season finale at Leavenworth.

Lions now using mostly run plays

Lawrence High coach Dirk Wedd all but abandoned the passing game once district play began two weeks ago. In the first six games, the Lions threw the ball 108 times, but they’ve put the ball in the air just five times in district contests against O-Northwest and Free State.

Basically, the Lions are just lining up now and sending either Sims or Jake Green into the line behind 6-4, 270-pound tackle Stephen Mason and 6-2, 280-pound tight end Chebon Dawes.

Only two of the Lions’ touchdowns this season have gone for double-digit yardage – a 25-yard pass from Clint Pinnick to Aaron Rea against SM East and a 32-yard run on a reverse by Rea against Olathe South.

Veritas hanging in

Veritas Christian has dropped three football games in a row, but the Eagles still have a shot at the Kansas Christian Athletic Assn. playoffs. If Veritas defeats Wichita Sunrise Academy in its home finale Thursday night, the Eagles are a lock. But if they lose, they’ll fall into a tie-breaker situation. Either way, they will have to play a road game next Tuesday.

Ballard Iowa starter

Christian Ballard, a standout at tight end and defensive end for Free State’s 11-win team in 2006, has started every game at defensive end this fall for Iowa University. The 6-foot-4, 284-pounder saw considerable duty with the Hawkeyes as a true freshman last season.

Ballard was in attendance at Friday’s city showdown game, which Free State won, 21-13.

Family showdown

Tuesday’s first-round regional soccer match at Free State High, between FSHS and the Topeka High Trojans, pitted brother against brother in the coaching ranks. Free State assistant Andy Nussbaum squared off against brother Tim Nussbaum, the head coach for the Trojans. Andy got the better of brother Tim in this one, as the Firebirds prevailed, 1-0 in triple overtime.