Lawrence High School fall sports athletes and members of the cheer and dance teams are pictured standing from left: Alaina Barnes, cheer; Laurel Bird, volleyball; Lacey Greenfield, cross country; Eliana Seidner, gymnastics; Beatrice Lopez, golf; Chloe Thornton, tennis; Grace Lynch, dance. Pictured sitting are Quentin Harrington, soccer; Jalen Dudley, football; and Carson Jumping Eagle, cross country. All athletes are seniors except for Lopez, who is a junior.

Classes started last week and games have finally arrived for Lawrence High’s fall sports teams. ?

The LHS girls tennis team will begin play today, boys soccer starts Friday and many of the other programs launch play next week. ?

Here is a peek at all of the Lions’ fall sports programs:

Football

If Lawrence’s football team surprised people last year with a 6-4 record, the Lions have landed on more radars for the upcoming season.

The Lions are highlighted by several returning starters on offense including quarterback Dante Jackson, receivers Ekow Boye-Doe and Jalen Dudley, and linemen Jacob Mills, Nick Engelbert and Kristian Russell. Defensive backs Harrison King and Caleb Mondi will lead the secondary after they both played receiver last year.

Among players stepping into bigger roles, the Lions expect a lift from running back Hunter Krom, linebacker Relle Dye and offensive linemen John Ely and Bryce Tibke.

What’s the biggest key for the Lions?

“How quick our defense gels,” said coach Dirk Wedd, who sits at 99 career wins through 19 seasons and plans to retire at the conclusion of the year. “We will need to grow up fast.”

The Lions will open their season on a Thursday, Aug. 31, against Shawnee Mission Northwest at SM North Stadium.

Gymnastics

Lawrence’s gymnastics team took fourth place at the state meet last year and there’s enough talent to make another strong run toward the top spot.

Josie Hickerson, Eden Kingery and Eliana Seidner return from last year’s varsity rotation and the Lions are hopeful they will receive a big contribution from newcomer Tyce Jefferson.

“There are some great gymnasts on the varsity squad and we are in perfect position to make it to state and to possibly earn some medals,” first-year coach Michelle Seidner said.

Lawrence will compete in the Shawnee Mission West quadrangular on Sept. 6.

Volleyball

After featuring a young lineup for parts of last season, Lawrence’s volleyball team will feature one of its most experienced rosters in recent seasons.

“All 11 (players) have varsity experience and a competitive fire,” said coach Stephanie Scarbrough, entering her 11th year.

Looking to join the top teams in the Sunflower League, the Lions are highlighted by seniors Laurel Bird, Katelyn Mask and Olivia Morgan, and juniors Laura Willoughby, Lauren Maceli, Baylee Unruh, Brooke Wroten, Abby Monroe, Michaela Cordova, Hannah Stewart and Sammy Williams.

“We are going to focus on one match, one play at a time,” Scarbrough said. “Maintain focus and give the team our full potential.”

Lawrence will begin the season against Blue Valley Northwest, ranked No. 3 in Class 6A, at 6 p.m. Tuesday at LHS.

Cross Country

Two of Lawrence’s cross country runners qualified for the state meet last season, and the Lions hope they can send a few more in a few months.

The LHS boys team will be led by team captains Carson Jumping Eagle and Calvin DeWitt. Jumping Eagle took 61st at the state meet last season.

Among Lawrence’s girls squad, the Lions are encouraged by strong summers from Lacey Greenfield and Leslie Ostronic. The Lions hope to receive a boost from newcomers Evann Seratte and Emma Howard.

“We trained a lot more this summer as a team, and that will help us right out of the gate,” second-year coach Laura Koster said. “Running through the summer allows the team to acclimate to the heat and build mileage.”

The Lions will run in the Manhattan Invitational on Sept. 2.

Girls golf

Throughout the past few seasons, Lawrence’s girls golf program has slowly grown.

With a pair of returning state qualifiers, Beatrice Lopez and Emily Johnson, to anchor the varsity lineup, the Lions are hoping to take another step forward.

The Lions will look to Sarah Ramaley, Olivia Wallen and Josie Abernathy as potential varsity contributors.

“Half of our team is made up of upperclassmen that played last year and hopefully we can build on that experience,” first-year coach John Moos said.

The first leg of the Sunflower League tournament begins on Sept. 18 at Lake Quivira Country Club.

Boys soccer

After posting a winning record last season, the LHS boys soccer team will feature plenty of new faces in new roles.

The Lions graduated several seniors and will have a much younger core of players. But there’s still several veterans to lead the squad, including midfielders Ben Matthews, Dario Ramirez and Cole Shupert, forward Quentin Harrington and defender Robbie Kleibohmer.

Along with the many varsity newcomers, the team is hoping for a strong season from forward Will Yanek.

“Solid level of talent, but some young players who will need time to adjust to the varsity level,” said coach Mike Murphy, entering his eighth season.

The Lions will travel to Manhattan at 6:15 p.m. Friday.

Girls tennis

Lawrence’s girls tennis team didn’t send any players to the state tournament last year, but there’s optimism that will change this fall.

The Lions bring back several varsity players including Chisato Kimura, Mia Waters, Chloe Thornton and Caitlynn Kliem.

Bella Kirckwood and Lilli Derby are expected to compete for varsity spots, and seventh-year coach Chris Marshall said the biggest challenge at the beginning of the season will be determining the No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles players.

“I hope our seniors can keep us going and make practice enjoyable for all,” Marshall said.

The Lions will participate in the Olathe West quadrangular at 3:30 p.m. today.