Last night, the Lawrence High Lions defeated the Free State Firebirds in overtime, 31-24. Chances were looking in favor for the Firebirds as they held a perfect season record of 6-0 coming into the game.
Every year students look forward to the annual city showdown football game between the Firebirds and Chesty Lions. Many students dressed up for Spirit Week, keeping the school spirit alive all week until the big game Friday night.
After the triumphant defeat of Lawrence High 28-26 last fall with a season record of 3-5 and coming into the game this year 6-0, many had high hopes for a Free State victory.
The first quarter was looking good for Free State who was able to be the first on the scoreboard with a field goal made successful by junior Yusef Iskandrani, putting the Firebirds up, 3-0.
Lawrence High was able to land a 19-yard touchdown carry by senior Tony Jacobsen, and a successful extra point, now placing the Lions above the Firebirds, 3-7 for the first time in the game. Heading into halftime, the Firebirds were up 10-7 on a touchdown run by senior Wesley Edison.
During halftime, the Free State band performed multiple songs like “Good for You” by Olivia Rodrigo, and “Confident” By Demi Lovato led by drum majors, senior Julia Kwan and junior Gage Monse. After their performance, the Free State spirit squad performed along with the Lawrence High spirit squad, and surrounding middle school cheerleaders.
Free State was looking good in the middle of the third quarter with a 3-yard touchdown from senior Wesley Edison, with the help of an extra point from junior Yusef Iskandrani, 17-7 Firebirds.
The Lawrence high student section erupted in cheers as Quarterback Banks Bowen scored a three yard touchdown, along with the extra point from junior Andrei Lefort, bringing the Lions up another 7 points. 17-14 Firebirds, with one minute remaining in the 3rd quarter.
With only one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, junior Bralin Preston scores a touchdown after a 38 yard pass from senior Wesley Edison. Junior Yusef Iskandrani comes in to kick a successful extra point, putting the firebirds above the Lions for the last time, 24-17.
With just 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Lawrence wide receiver Malcolm Paul was able to score a touchdown from a 60 yard pass from Banks Bowen. Along with an extra point from kicker Andrei Lefort, both teams were then tied 24-24, sending the game into overtime.
Fortunately for the Lions, senior Mason Mosiman scores the touchdown on a six yard pass from junior Banks Bowen, along with a good kick from Lefort, putting the lions above the Firebirds once again, 31-24.
As the Firebirds came up to take their attempt at scoring, Lawrence High was able to defend well, making sure Free State could not score.
Free State was able to hold off Lawrence High for the majority of the game, but fell short in overtime. (5-2) Lawrence High came out on top defeating (6-0) Free State, stealing their perfect season record and winning the city showdown for the first time since 2021.
