photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High running back Tahj Edwards breaks through the line during the Lions' game against Olathe West on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at the CBAC in Olathe.

Despite losing a close game against Olathe West last Friday, Lawrence football coach Jason Thoren is pleased with how his team has operated, both in the game and in the subsequent week of practice.

“I was pleased after the game, and I was pleased after watching the game,” Thoren said. “I was pleased with our mentality. We unfortunately had a few plays that didn’t go our way that really stung us, but for the majority of that game we played really well — maybe even better than I thought.

“Now, we have to get it done — we have to correct those plays. There were a minimum of 12 (points) we gave them. If we don’t do that, we’re in business. We’ve been working hard on those things all week.”

The Lions started slow but fought their way back into the game against the Owls, but a few late mistakes cost the team the opportunity to make the comeback.

Junction City went 5-5 last year, including a 69-56 loss to Lawrence in Junction City. The Bluejays started the year 1-4 but rattled off four straight wins afterward, including a 47-14 win over Topeka in the first round of the playoffs. The Bluejays’ season came to an end with a 42-14 loss to Derby in the second round.

Offensively, the Bluejays run a multiple offense with wide-ranging sets and play styles. On a given drive, the Bluejays will have a heavy personnel with two tight ends and then spread the offense out with empty sets a few plays later.

“They’ll give you heavy looks, they’ll give you speed looks, they’ve got receivers who can fly and a quarterback who is savvy,” Thoren said. “Their tailback is a good, hard physical runner. They can get in a fistfight with you or get in a track meet with you.”

That variety makes it difficult for defenses to counter. But it’s nothing most of the Lions haven’t seen before. Having played the Bluejays last year, the Lions have experienced their offensive style and can prepare for it better this time around.

“The more experience you gain is always going to help,” Thoren said. “They did a good job against them last year, and gaining experience is key. We have a lot of guys who haven’t played a lot of varsity, and they’re doing a good job learning.”

Last year’s game featured 125 total points, with big explosive plays on both sides in the run and pass game. This time around, the Lions will need to limit those explosive plays on defense while continuing to churn out explosive plays on the ground on offense.

Lawrence’s run game stood out in last week’s loss to Olathe West. Running back Tahj Edwards ran for over 150 yards, and the offensive line did its part in helping Edwards hit that mark. The Lions will need more of the same, and for junior quarterback Colton Curry to make the plays when called on, as he did against Olathe West.

“It all starts up front with our offensive line, and they did a great job,” Thoren said. “Tahj is a great running back. He can make people miss, he runs hard.”

Friday’s game will be the home opener for the Lions this season, giving the team a chance to play in front of a full stadium of supporting family and friends.

“It’ll get us juiced up,” Thoren said. “It’s always a big deal to play in front of your family. Home games, playing in front of your family … there ought to be more excitement.”