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

Lawrence running back Tahj Edwards looks for space during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

Overland Park — Friday night’s playoff football game between Shawnee Mission East and Lawrence in Overland Park was decided in the run game. Where the Lancers continued to drive downfield and score, the Lions struggled to stay on schedule. It culminated in a season-ending 28-14 loss for Lawrence.

The Lions had an up-and-down first drive. A couple of negative-yardage plays put the team in danger, but a 52-yard pass from quarterback Banks Bowen to receiver Jaxon Becker put the Lions in the red zone. Soon after, Bowen threw an interception.

The Lancers took a slow, methodical approach to their offense by running the ball and the clock. The Lions started to make a stop in the red zone by forcing the Lancers into a fourth-and-1 from the 13-yard line, but Lancers quarterback Jack Reeves ran it in for a score.

Lawrence’s second drive started promisingly on the ground. Tahj Edwards had a 9-yard rush on second-and-7, and Bowen had a 12-yard rush on second-and-11. The drive stalled around midfield when the Lions came a yard short of picking up a first down on fourth-and-short.

“It seemed every time we had any semblance of getting something started, we did something to hurt ourselves, something self-inflicted,” coach Clint Bowen said. “That’s a tough opponent because they run the ball and the clock down, so it limits your opportunities offensively. It wears you down mentally and physically, and it keeps your offense on the sideline.”

Shawnee Mission East’s second drive ate most of the clock through the second half. The Lancers moved into the red zone and scored on a fourth-and-1 run from Reeves. It was the second time the Lancers scored on a fourth-down run by Reeves, and the second time that drive that the team converted on a fourth down.

The Lions were not so successful on fourth down. They continued to use Bowen in the run game, but their next drive stalled with incomplete passes on third and fourth down. One play before halftime would’ve been a 47-yard touchdown when Kavon Price turned upfield on a short route, but a holding call brought it back.

To end the half, the Lancers missed a deep field goal, and Bowen threw an interception on a last-second heave.

The second half showed some life for the Lions, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the first-half deficit. Lawrence started the half by holding the Lancers to a three-and-out, but a punt that reached the LHS 1-yard line put LHS in a tough spot. After the Lions turned the ball over on downs, the Lancers ran 56 yards in two plays to score their third touchdown of the game.

Lawrence put together its first scoring drive of the night with a methodical march downfield with more quarterback runs and a few chunk-play passes. Josh Galbreath secured his first reception of the night on a 26 yard gain. Bowen finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

Despite the deficit, the Lions continued to fight. From players trying to hype their teammates up on the sidelines to making plays on the field, the Lions kept going.

“The kids continued to fight in the game,” coach Bowen said. “They stuck together and they continued to fight in the game. In the end, we just didn’t make enough plays.”

The Lions defense had another big stop on the next Shawnee Mission East drive, but they couldn’t turn it into points. Once the Lancers got the ball back with just over 7 minutes left in the game, they scored their fourth rushing touchdown of the night.

On their second-to-last drive, the Lions managed to get into Lancer territory, but couldn’t convert on a fourth-and-10. The defense forced the Lancers to punt, but the Lions got the ball back with 1 minute, 22 seconds remaining at their 22-yard line. From there, they scored on a three-play drive that included an 80-yard catch from Price. Becker finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown catch.

A failed onside kick attempt concluded the game, as the Lancers kneeled on first and second down to win the game and end the Lions season.

A number of sophomores saw the field on Friday night. From the offensive line to the secondary to special teams, the Lions relied on young guys to contribute. That group got a message from coach Bowen postgame about their fight and preparation for the game.

There were also a number of seniors who completed their LHS football careers. This class was all freshmen when Bowen became the head coach, so their growth and development over four years has been particularly special to see.

“You don’t realize how much kids grow and change over a four-year period in high school,” coach Bowen said. “To be a part of their lives for four years — I really appreciate being able to see those guys develop on and off the field as young men.”

The Lions finished with a 4-5 record on the year, including a three-game losing streak at the end.

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

Lawrence running back Tahj Edwards runs into space during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence quarterback Banks Bowen looks to make a pass during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence head coach Clint Bowen looks at his sheet during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence quarterback Banks Bowen delivers a pass during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence’s Ethan Curry awaits a play on defense during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence’s Josh Galbreath (8) and Jah’ir Johnson (32) high-five during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence High’s Ethan Curry returns a kick during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence running back Tahj Edwards pushes forward during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.

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

Lawrence High offensive lineman Ty Silvers waits to snap the ball during a game at Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Overland Park.