photo by: Val Montanez/Special to the Journal-World

The Lawrence High football team breaks a huddle before the game against Shawnee Mission North at Shawnee Mission District Stadium, North Location, on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Overland Park.

Sometimes, the best way to turn a season around is to beat a rival, and that’s what Lawrence High is hoping to accomplish on Friday.

Lawrence (0-7) is set to finish its regular season by hosting its crosstown rival Free State (5-2). Despite the winless record, the Lions have a better point differential than the three one-loss teams, showing that the Lions have been in almost every game they’ve played. With that, they are gearing up for a tough game with the chance to finally put it all together and pull off the upset.

“All the kids are excited about this game,” Lawrence coach Jason Thoren said. “You know everyone on the other side, and they’re excited to play.”

Free State is a physical team on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Once again, the Lions are facing an offense that keeps the ball on the ground with the run game. It’s a two-headed attack, with both running back Maddon Brittingham and quarterback Finn Moore being effective runners.

“There’s elements that are pretty similar (to other teams),” Thoren said. “They can get real heavy and bring in some of their bigger guys, then they can spread you out. Their quarterback is a tough runner, their tailback is a tough runner and they have a big O-line (that) can lean on you.”

The Lions have faced their fair share of teams that employ a rushing attack that include both the running backs and quarterbacks.

The Firebirds don’t pass often but are effective when they do. Moore is a strong athlete, playing multiple sports at Free State, and can throw deep with power. The Firebirds can bring a defense up to the line of scrimmage to try and stop the run and go over the top with a deep pass or on play-action. The Lawrence secondary will need to keep its discipline throughout the game, even as the Firebirds focus on the run game.

“Everyone has to be sound with what they’re doing, and we have to win the line of scrimmage,” Thoren said. “He is a third baseman, a good athlete. He can throw it too.”

Free State’s offense has put up a lot of points. The only times the team has been held to less than 35 points have come in the two losses, the first a 47-7 loss to Manhattan in Week 2, and the other last week’s 35-14 loss to Olathe North. The Firebirds average 31 points per game, but average almost 40 in their wins.

Defensively, the Firebirds have a stout, physical front that keeps opposing offenses out of rhythm. Since the first two weeks, in which Free State’s opponents scored 34 and 47 points, the Firebirds have been holding teams to 19 points per game.

“Their front is big and strong,” Thoren said. “They’re a physical group. We have to be tough in the trenches.”

Lawrence will have an additional challenge while overcoming the loss of lead running back Tahj Edwards, who suffered a leg injury last week against Shawnee Mission North. The Lions will turn to junior Ethan Curry, who has split time at slot receiver and running back this season. Lawrence will also have sophomore running back Luke Kress, a bigger back who can gut out some tougher yards.

“Tahj has been a big piece of our offense, and he’s done such a good job,” Thoren said. “We’re going to have to step up. Ethan is such an all-around player, and I think it’ll be good for him to concentrate on one area and go all in on that. He’s ultra football-smart.”

Sophomore quarterback Joey Dooley’s development can help the offense overcome the absence of Edwards. With five games starting under his belt, Dooley has shown better control over the offense.

“The more you play, the better you’re going to get,” Thoren said. “At this point, he’s played enough football where he’s comfortable in that role. It’s everyone around him that needs to do their job. We have to do well up front, we have to run the ball well, we have to run good routes.”

With the playoffs right around the corner, the Lions need some momentum before likely traveling to face one of the top teams in the state. A win over the Firebirds would be a strong step in the right direction for Lawrence.