Lee’s Summit West unfazed by transition

Two defending Missouri state champions in one conference and one classification.

Lee’s Summit West welcomes the challenge.

A year after again winning the Missouri Class 5 state championship — its third title in 10 seasons — Lee’s Summit West makes the leap to Class 6 this season. The Titans have also moved up to the Suburban Gold Conference, home to two-time defending state champion Blue Springs.

“I feel like we always have a target on our backs, but this makes the target that much bigger,” senior running back Ryan Williams said. “We have to come out every week and play our A-game. We can’t take any games off.”

Titans coach Royce Boehm said he’s often been told it’s time for his team to test itself in the Class 6 grind, and the enrollment numbers have finally made that a reality.

“Guess what? Now we’re there,” he said. “And we’re glad to be there.”

It sets up an intriguing Suburban Gold Conference struggle, with Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit seen as the early favorites. The two teams have split must-see games over the past two seasons.

Williams will lead the Titans into battle this season. He rushed for 946 yards and 12 touchdowns last year before committing to Missouri.

Brenner Clemons is set to take the reigns under center. He saw playing time last season in the wildcat package and ran for seven touchdowns.

Boehm hopes their presence can help soften the blow of losing standout wide receiver Monte Harrison, along with two-year starting quarterback Thomas Ganaden.

“We lose big names every year,” Boehm said. “That’s what’s so unique about Lee’s Summit West. We lose them, but there’s a new name that pops up the next year. We’re excited to see what names are going to pop up.”

This story was originally published August 19, 2014 at 9:53 AM with the headline "Lee’s Summit West unfazed by transition."