Playoff scenarios are pretty simple for Lawrence High’s football players. A win against Olathe East tonight likely gives them a spot in the state playoffs. A loss, and they’re done for the season.

The Lions are 1-1 in district play, and are hoping undefeated Olathe North can beat Olathe Northwest. But before they can rely on other teams, the Lions will try to put themselves in line for the playoffs when they face the Hawks at 7 tonight at LHS.

“This week practice has been amped up,” senior receiver Nyle Anderson said. “We know we need to get a win to keep playing. None of us seniors are ready to check in our pads for the last time.”

The Lions (4-4) are tied in the district standings with Olathe Northwest (5-3), but the Ravens own a big advantage in the point differential tiebreaker if the standings turn into a three-way tie, which would happen if both teams win tonight. The Hawks (3-5) have been eliminated from postseason contention.

But during the week, the Lions have only focused on what they can control. Despite last week’s 27-0 loss to O-North, they’re ready to prove they’re better than they showed.

“I think we had little things that kind of hurt ourselves that game,” junior linebacker Tanner Green said. “That’s they way I see it. I think if we clean up the little things, then we can get a win.”

Throughout the year, Lawrence’s underclassmen have talked about making it the best year possible for the team’s seniors, and they’ve shown how serious they take it with a strong week of practices.

“They understand they have a responsibility to the seniors and the seniors understand that this is the most important game they’ve ever played in,” LHS coach Dirk Wedd said, “so it kind of trickles down.”

LHS probable starters

Offense

LT — Stephen Garcia, sr.

LG — Nathan Koehn, jr.

C — Cole Greenwood, sr.

RG — Jacob Unruh, so.

RT — Trey Georgie, jr.

QB — Alan Clothier, jr.

RB — JD Woods, jr.

H — Stevin Hays, sr.

WR — Nyle Anderson, sr.

WR — Zak McAlister, sr.

TE — Price Morgan, jr.

K — Ellis Springe, sr.

P — Luke Zenger, sr.

Defense

DE — Cole Greenwood, sr.

NG — Trey Georgie, jr.

DE — Amani Bledsoe, jr.

OLB — Konner Kelley, jr.

ILB — Price Morgan, jr.

ILB — Tanner Green, jr.

OLB — Stevin Hays, sr.

CB — JD Woods, jr.

CB — Ivan Hollins, jr.

SS — J’Mony Bryant, jr.

FS — Dearion Cooper, sr.