photo by: Landon Cory/Journal-World photo

Lawrence High linebacker Jah'ir Johnson stares down the quarterback in a matchup against Olathe West in Lawrence on Friday, September 8th, 2023.

After suffering its first loss of the season, the Lawrence High football team looks to bounce back against Shawnee Mission North in Friday night’s homecoming game.

The loss came in the form of an unusual two-part game, split by inclement weather, at Olathe East a week ago. But it’s a new week for LHS (3-1), and that includes another Sunflower League foe eager to reenter the win column itself. SM North opened its season with a gritty 43-42 victory over Shawnee Mission South and proceeded to lose its next three games.

Now, the Bison will bring their triple-threat rushing attack, between senior running back Judah Jones, junior running back Jeremiah Looney and sophomore quarterback Alex Casares, to Lawrence.

Casares, earning the starting job this fall, has completed 37 of 62 passes for 666 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions through four games. Senior wide receiver Jourden White, Casares’ leading target, is chasing 300 yards receiving (283) headed into Week 5.

Last week, the Bison (1-3) dropped a close 28-20 loss to Shawnee Mission East on their home turf. LHS head coach Clint Bowen commended SM North coach Andy Walter.

“They’re scoring a lot of points, giving up some on defense, but (Walter)’s done a really good job with that program,” Bowen said. “They’ve been in every game they’ve played.”

For the Lions’ offense, controlling the 285-pound senior lineman Deandre Wilson will be critical to getting the tailbacks rolling. Additional eyes will need to be fixed on the Bison’s current leading tackler, junior middle linebacker Julius Casares (44).

Bowen said his group must continue making adjustments on the fly if they’re going to remain competitive. As his offense continues to settle midway through the season, Bowen is keeping an eye on his players’ technique and their ability to enter each drive improving upon the last one.

“We’ve talked about coming out here and practicing with intent and having a purpose on the fundamentals,” Bowen said. “They’re getting a better understanding of that.”

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at LHS.