photo by: Mike Shaw, Special to the Journal-World

LHS seniors Noah Kirk (7), Jaydon Brittingham (33) and Brayden Heck (2) lead the rest of the Lions onto the field for their game against Olathe East on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

Back on the bus for the first leg of a two-game road stretch, the Lawrence High football team travels to Shawnee Mission North on Friday in search of a fourth consecutive win.

The Lions (3-1) have rebounded since dropping their home opener in August and are carrying momentum after a 47-6 homecoming win over Olathe East. SM North (2-2) dropped a narrow 35-34 loss to SM East last Friday, a second consecutive loss for the Bison.

LHS coach Clint Bowen has his eyes on SM North’s option-heavy offense.

“Defensively, it really kind of changes the whole game for our kids,” Bowen said. “I want to see our defense be assigned and sound, play with great pad level and do their job. I think they’re starting to make some good strides in terms of just better understanding of what it means to play as a unit.”

Primary rushers Tyrell Reed and Brayden Heck combined for just 78 yards last week against O-East. Bowen wants his backfield to take the next step in maximizing the offense’s production on game nights.

“For us to really take off, we have to become a really good tailback run team,” Bowen said.

“Tyrell Reed is an explosive player and Braden Heck can can carry the ball,” Bowen added. “If we can get those two to become legitimate run threats, it’ll open up a lot in the pass game for guys like Dominic (Ostronic) and Sam (Sedo), who are also capable making big plays. We need the two (aspects of our offense) going at the same time to truly take advantage of our talent.”

Kickoff for LHS and SM North is slated for 7 p.m. at Shawnee Mission North District Stadium in Overland Park.