When Lawrence High’s football team turns the ball over on offense, only a few Lions jog over to the sideline.

The rest? They just turn around. They’re playing defense.

Coach Dirk Wedd will play up to seven players on both sides of the ball in Lawrence’s homecoming game tonight against Shawnee Mission South. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Wedd said he puts his best football players on the field, and if that means playing them on offense and defense — and on special teams, like junior wide receiver/cornerback/punter Anthony Buffalomeat — well, so be it.

“We’re finding more kids who can play and give those guys a break,” Wedd said. “I don’t mind having that many kids go both ways, but they need a break somewhere, whether on offense or defense.”

Buffalomeat said he’s used to playing defense and punting, having done it last season as well. The only teams he doesn’t play on regularly are extra point, kickoff return and kickoff.

“I’m huffing and puffing a little, but I’m just trying to fight through it,” Buffalomeat said.

Buffalomeat — he said he’s enjoying playing on defense more and more with every game — at heart admits he is still a receiver, mostly because he’s played it since junior high.

Tonight he figures to feel the fatigue, considering he’ll be chasing South’s option attack sideline-to-sideline on defense.

“In today’s offenses, they change formation so much that it does concern us as far as getting responsibilities,” Wedd said of the Raiders’ attack.

One Lion — sophomore quarterback/free safety Brad Strauss — may receive some relief tonight. Wedd said he moved junior Garrett Cleavinger to free safety in practice this week to provide more depth at the position.

“We feel like he can give Brad a break,” Wedd said. “A sophomore doesn’t need to be in every snap.”

Senior Aaron Gile figures to play receiver and linebacker again tonight.

“Fourth quarter, near the end, I’m feeling winded, but I can play through it,” Gile said. “It’s a lot better than being on the sideline.”