photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Lawrence High seniors Jerrod Nichols (left) and Alexander Gordon-Ross (right) pose for the camera after Nichols sank a game-winning goal against Shawnee Mission Northwest in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at LHS.

The whole sequence only took about 15 seconds, but it was all Lawrence High senior Jerrod Nichols needed to fly in from the defensive end of the field and punch in the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Shawnee Mission Northwest on Tuesday night.

The Lions (7-3-0) took a 1-0 lead early in the second period when senior Ocean Comfort found the net, shooting from just outside the box, but the Cougars (6-5-0) stayed vigilant and tied the game late with just over 11 minutes remaining.

Desperate, Nichols saw an opportunity to float across midfield, and when junior Asher Sikes saw his man – magic.

Nichols found the net with under 30 seconds left in regulation. It was the senior’s first goal with LHS.

“It wasn’t a good touch at all, but it went in – that’s what matters,” Nichols said about his game-winner. “It was amazing. Great way to end the night.”

All night long, LHS and SM Northwest were at odds with each other. Through countless yellow cards and several close shots in the second half, Nichols said the Lions weren’t going down.

“It just makes it even more fun,” Nichols said. “It’s no fun when nobody’s talking and the stands are empty. It just gives a lot to the game.”

LHS head coach Joe Comparato and crew have won two consecutive matches and return home to host Shawnee Mission West on Thursday. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

FSHS, LHS girls golf teams close regular season; regionals up next

The Free State and Lawrence High girls golf teams capped off their regular season at the third round of the Sunflower League tournament at St. Andrews Golf Club on Monday. As a team, the Firebirds finished seventh overall (401); LHS featured just three golfers at the tournament.

For Free State, junior Liza Engelbrecht carded the best score of any area golfer on the course, finishing 18th individually with 88; junior Merrit Hale shot the next-best score, tying for 32nd individually with 98.

On the LHS side, senior Shea Rowley shot a team-best 105 to finish 40th individually.

Next up, FSHS and LHS swing into the Class 6A regional at Topeka-Cypress Ridge Golf Course on Monday, Oct. 9.

Graves commits to Barton CC baseball

Free State senior pitcher Kyle Graves announced his commitment to continue playing baseball at Barton Community College in Great Bend on Monday via social media.

Graves, the older brother to sophomore Ben Graves, received the Journal-World’s All-Area Player of the Year Award last spring after finishing 5-1 on the mound as a junior, including a lengthy run with the Firebirds at the Class 6A state tournament.

“I am excited to announce my commitment to (Barton) to further my academic and athletic career,” Graves said on social media. “I want to thank my family, friends, and coaches for guiding me up to this point.”

Several Free State alums have played at Barton, including former pitcher Zach Thornton – selected 159th overall by the New York Mets in the 2023 MLB Draft.

LHS volleyball sweeps SM-North; City Showdown with FSHS up next

The Lawrence High volleyball team swept Shawnee Mission North (25-12, 25-14, 25-8) on the road Tuesday night.

Junior Harper Dye led LHS (10-11) with 15 kills and 12 digs; senior Seenane Brewer chipped in eight kills and nine digs; and junior Olivia Monroe contributed 10 digs.

On Thursday, the Chesty Lions host crosstown rival Free State (4-19) in a battle for city bragging rights.

The Firebirds have dropped eight of their last nine matches, as head coach Jayme Savage and FSHS continue searching for a rhythm before the postseason. LHS, climbing its way up the 6A East table, has earned wins in three of its last four matches.

Both squads take the floor on Thursday for a triangular with Shawnee Mission at LHS beginning at 5 p.m.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

An official calls a yellow card against Shawnee Mission Northwest during a match with Lawrence High on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at LHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Lawrence High senior Aidan Esperance looks onward during a timeout against Shawnee Mission Northwest on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at LHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Lawrence High senior Aidan Esperance makes a move against Shawnee Mission Northwest sophomore Carter Scrivner during a match on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at LHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Lawrence High sophomore Murphy Nowak warms up before a match against Shawnee Mission Northwest on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at LHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Lawrence High sophomore Patrick Sandefur closes in on the ball during a match against Shawnee Mission Northwest on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at LHS.