It took a few weeks, but the offensive line for Lawrence High’s football team is starting to find its groove.

The five linemen — Amani Bledsoe, Jacob Unruh, Cole Greenwood, Nathan Koehn and Stephen Garcia — showed flashes of potential during the first three weeks of the season but dominated last week by opening holes for 362 yards on the ground against Shawnee Mission Northwest.

They’re hoping to get the same kind of push on the road against Shawnee Mission South at 7 tonight at SM South District Stadium.

After a loss in the City Showdown when the Lions struggled to move the ball with any consistency, it was a welcome sight as the offense exploded for touchdowns on the team’s first two drives.

“We needed to win,” LHS coach Dirk Wedd said of last week. “I thought the offensive line came out and did a really good job. They controlled the line of scrimmage when Free State just sucked the air right out of our helmets the week before. So we needed some confidence and they got it.”

Only Bledsoe, the junior right tackle, returned from last year at the same position on the line. Senior center Greenwood played guard last year, while the rest of the starters needed time to adjust to blocking at the varsity level.

“It’s been crazy how good they’ve improved,” junior quarterback Alan Clothier said. “I have a lot more confidence now that our O-Line can get a good push. We can march the ball. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big break or just five yards. We can march the ball down (the field).”

The Lions (2-2) are second in the league in rushing yards, averaging more than 286 yards per game. The Raiders (1-3) have struggled against the run, but also have played the league’s only undefeated teams, Shawnee Mission East and Olathe North.

Wedd predicted before the season started that it would take some time for offensive line to maintain consistent success.

“It’s taken us longer than I thought or hoped,” Wedd said, “but we’re getting there.”

LHS probable starters

Offense

LT — Stephen Garcia, sr.

LG — Nathan Koehn, jr.

C — Cole Greenwood, sr.

RG — Jacob Unruh, so.

RT — Amani Bledsoe, 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 — Nathan Koehn, 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.