photo by: Chance Parker/Journal-World Photo

Lawrence High senior Tyrell Reed is jubilant after scoring a touchdown against Olathe West on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.

The Lawrence High football team’s back-to-back road wins gave LHS coach Clint Bowen’s Lions all the momentum they could ask for heading into Friday night’s homecoming game against Olathe East.

After defeating Shawnee Mission East, 45-14, last week, the Lions (2-1) are seeking their third win of the season against a Hawks program led by its spread offense and talented quarterback Jack Cornell. Bowen says the O-East defense is equally challenging, providing consistent pressure throughout all phases.

“It’s a tough test,” Bowen said. “We need to go in there and do the things that we’re capable of. We’re a pretty big group and we can go line up with big-boy people, and we need to start taking pride in doing that.”

Senior transfer running back Tyrell Reed has lit up the turf for LHS so far this season, including a 99-yard kickoff return after halftime last week at SM East. Going up against a stiff defense on Friday, Bowen says Reed’s addition makes that job much easier.

“He came in here and has been such a team guy,” Bowen said of Reed. “He’s been supportive of his teammates and, immediately, had an impact on and off the field.”

Last week’s matchup at SM East was the first Friday night game for LHS this season. The Lions played their first two games on Thursdays. Bowen said he expects his team to translate the early-season changes and progress they have made into a meaningful and memorable homecoming display.

“I thought we went in there and didn’t start fast,” Bowen said of last week. “I thought we had a couple of penalties that were uncalled for, but, when we did settle into a groove, I was happy about seeing the kids really working hard to execute some of the fundamentals and some of the things that we talked about.”

Friday’s homecoming game is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff at LHS.