Lawrence High’s football players have an extra spring in their steps at practice this week, and their confidence is soaring.

That’s the result of a win in districts, and the Lions have their eyes set on proving they are the real deal against Olathe North at 7 tonight at the Olathe District Athletic Complex.

The Eagles (7-0, ranked No. 2 by Kpreps.com) have one of the top offenses and defenses in the Sunflower League, but the Lions (4-3) are ready to show that they can keep up.

“We’ve watched film on O-North,” senior defensive back and punter Luke Zenger said. “We know they’re a good team. We know it’s going to be a challenge, but we’re ready to play them.”

One of the biggest reasons for the Lions’ confidence is their run game. The Lions put up 300 rushing yards on a strong defense in last week’s victory.

“The offensive line has gotten more consistent,” senior lineman Cole Greenwood said. “We’re starting to make our blocks time after time, instead of every other play. The whole group, collectively, has gotten better and more consistent.”

Only junior right tackle Amani Bledsoe returned from last year at the same position. Greenwood moved from guard to center, senior left tackle Stephen Garcia didn’t play football last season, and guards junior Nathan Koehn and sophomore Jacob Unruh are new to the line.

It also helps to have junior running back JD Woods, whose explosiveness shows on most weeks with long touchdown runs.

“In the last five games, I don’t think he’s made a bad cut,” LHS coach Dirk Wedd said of the league’s leading rusher. “That tells you something about what he sees.”

Lawrence’s defense will also get a big test after allowing just two touchdowns over its last six quarters. Greenwood credited the scout offense in practice for giving them a great look each week, but the Lions will get a big test attempting to stop an offense that averages 380 yards per game.

“They’re going to have their hands full,” Wedd said. “They’re playing maybe the best offense we’ve played all year. Offensively they’re just so fast, and that’s always been one of our Achilles’ heels, whether or not we could match speed. So it’ll be interesting to see where we’re at.”

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.