photo by: Nick Krug

Lawrence High special teams player Zeric Avery takes off with the ball deep in Shawnee Mission South territory after a botched snap on a punt during the second quarter on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 at Lawrence High School.

The Lawrence High football team will be looking to advance to its first Class 6A state championship game in 26 years at 7 p.m. Friday against top-seeded Derby High.

Following a dominant showing in Manhattan in last week’s quarterfinals, the Lions set their sights on an undefeated Derby team that narrowly survived a showdown in last week’s west sectionals with Free State, winning 27-21.

First-year LHS coach Clint Bowen believes his group will enter Friday’s clash with plenty of confidence.

“We have four wins over four of, arguably, the best teams in the state,” he said. “To go in there and think we’re the underdog, that’s not our mindset.”

The sixth-seeded Lions (9-2) were challenged early during last week’s win over Manhattan. But LHS caught steam in the second half, where the group has seen recent success, and never looked back.

“Early in the game, you always get the new plays and the new scheme that each offense runs,” Bowen said. “You always hope you can fight through those plays before you can talk to your kids about them.”

In addition to hoping for a strong start on offense against Derby (10-0), the LHS defense will have its hands full with stopping the inside runs by Derby running back Dylan Edwards.

The Panthers junior broke out for 284 yards on the ground, including three touchdowns last week against Free State.

“They have a monster line,” Bowen said. “It starts with the offensive line where those kids are given the chance on offense. Edwards, he’s a smaller, super-fast tailback. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball.”

LHS gained an edge last week on the ground, as well. Senior quarterback Truman Juelsgaard racked up 141 rushing yards, including two touchdowns of his own against Manhattan.

“We’ve been able to incorporate more play calls with him,” Bowen said. “Him getting healthy has been a big part (of our success) later in our season, and he’s accepted that role and has done a great job leading us.”

Bowen’s season-long philosophy on winning games during the week in practice leading up to them has not changed heading into the biggest game of the season.

“You win games Monday through Thursday,” he said. “I think our kids are starting to understand (that). You’ve got to start your mental preparation and physical preparation on Monday.”

Friday’s kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Panther Stadium.

The winner will advance to the Class 6A state title game in Emporia on Nov. 27, when it will take on the winner of Friday’s other 6A semifinal between Blue Valley Northwest (10-1) and Blue Valley West (7-4).

Semifinal Send-Off

Lawrence High football supporters have organized a send-off for the team on Friday afternoon along 21st Street.

Fans are encouraged to arrive around 1 p.m., bringing posters, friends, family members and all the school spirit they can muster. Those in attendance will be asked to line the street from the LHS parking lot heading west, which will follow the route the LHS buses will take on their way to Derby.

The Lions are scheduled to depart at 1:30 p.m. Kickoff for the Class 6A state semifinal game between LHS and Derby is slated for 7 p.m.