photo by: Carter Gaskins/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence Head Coach Clint Bowen paces the sideline early in the first quarter against Olathe South on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

A robust offensive line paved the way for the Lawrence High football team in Friday’s 41-22 road win over Olathe South in Week 1. LHS (1-0) finished the game with 338 yards rushing, led by junior quarterback Banks Bowen (197) and senior tailback Malcolm Paul (82).

However, at the center of that power was senior offensive tackle and defensive end Kem Allen, who finished the night with four tackles – and a few positive yards on a fumble recovery. After the game, Allen said the team’s ceiling “is in the stars.”

But when asked about Friday’s win, Allen was quick to praise his younger counterparts for coming up big on the defensive side of the ball. Sophomore Jaxon Becker and junior Noah Richardson each came away with fumble recoveries on Friday night.

Confident playmakers, Allen said, are nothing new to this LHS team.

“I was expecting it, you know, because we’ve been seeing it in practice and all summer,” Allen said. “It feels nice because last year, (Olathe South) came to our home field and beat us. To just come back with that fire and do it to them just feels so great.”

LHS returns to action next week, hosting Olathe West on Friday. Free State, coming off a 47-29 win over O-West, travels to Olathe Northwest next Friday. Both kickoffs are slated for 7 p.m.

Free State volleyball drops season opener

The Free State volleyball team fell to Topeka-Seaman in three sets (22-25, 15-25, 20-25) in Thursday’s season opener on the road.

The Firebirds (0-1) return to the capital city on Thursday to challenge Topeka-Washburn Rural.

Strong start continues for LHS soccer

The Lawrence High boys soccer team picked up a second consecutive win on Thursday, pushing past DeSoto 3-1 on the road. Scoreless entering the second half, the Lions (2-0) fought back with three unanswered scores between seniors Colin Sandefur (2) and Asher Sikes (1).

LHS is back in action at Topeka-Seaman on Tuesday.

Baldwin soccer moves to 3-0 with shutout win at Ottawa

The Baldwin boys soccer team cruised past Ottawa 3-0 on Thursday, capping off a busy first week in dominating fashion. Seniors Dylan Patterson, Joey Ziembicki and junior Nick Johnson each found the net throughout the match.

The Bulldogs (3-0) travel to Class 6A foe Gardner Edgerton on Tuesday.