Lawrence Free State deals SM East its first loss since 2013

For the first time in nearly two years, the Shawnee Mission East football team walked off the field on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

The Lancers lost for the first time in 18 games with a 32-20 loss to Lawrence Free State on Friday night at home. The Lancers dropped to 4-1 on the season.

[ Friday night high school football scores and summaries ]

“They (Lawrence Free State) played outstanding,” SM East coach Dustin Delaney said. “Their skill kids are really good and they played in space. They did it all night — outplayed us and outcoached us. They deserve to have a nice win like they did.”

It was just the third loss of Delaney’s first three seasons at the coaching helm and the Lancers’ first setback since the 2013 Kansas Class 6A state championship game. The Lancers lost 28-21 against Derby in that title game and then went undefeated and won a state title last season.

Lawrence Free State, on the other hand, entered Friday’s game with a 1-3 record. The Firebirds’ three losses were decided by eight or fewer points. Their first victory this season was against winless Leavenworth in Week 4.

Sam Skwarlo led the Firebirds with three touchdowns on Friday night.

Blue Valley North 28, Blue Valley 27

Blue Valley North continued its quiet rise to the top of the Eastern Kansas League with a 28-27 upset victory against district foe Blue Valley.

Blue Valley North trailed 27-10 in the fourth quarter, but scored 18 unanswered points, including back-to-back touchdowns separated by an onside kick. Quarterback Joey Dolan passed for both touchdowns.

“It came down to their ability to keep believing and play four quarters,” BV North coach Andy Sims said. “What I love most about these kids is that they haven’t been part of a winning program. They’ve had wins here and there, but to do it at the 6A level like this is impressive.”

Blue Valley North is now tied atop the league with Class 4A Division I defending champion Bishop Miege with a 4-1 record. BV North was 2-7 last year.

Eudora 48, Basehor-Linwood 21

Grant Elston led Eudora to its second victory of the season, with 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 19 carries on Friday night.

Teammate Travis Neis added 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 27 carries.

The Cardinals are 2-3 under first-year coach Phil Katzenmeier.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 11:57 PM with the headline "Lawrence Free State deals SM East its first loss since 2013."