Football Recap: SME Versus SMN

On Friday night the Lancers defeated the Shawnee Mission North Indians 41-25, securing them their third trip to substate in the past four years. Next, the Lancers will take on Blue Valley to battle for the trip to state at the district stadium this Friday.

East played SM North during regular season, defeating them in a blowout of 77-26. However, North’s rapid improvement in their offense toward the end of the season made them tougher competition for the Lancers the second time around, according to senior Sky Tate.

During the first half of the game, the Indians trailed by two points — because of two missed extra points by the Lancers following touchdowns. But just before the half was called, junior Milton Braasch broke away and scored a 55-yard touchdown, putting the score at 21-12 heading into the second half.

Despite a closer first half, the Lancers took a bigger lead during the second half. Thanks to watching a lot of film of the Indians’ football team, the Lancers were able to counter their strong offense with a tight defense. Braasch finished the game with four touchdowns, followed by senior Nigil Houston with two.

Next week, the Lancers will switch their focus to play Blue Valley.

“We’re pretty nervous about [Blue Valley’s] passing game,” Tate said. “They’ve got really great receivers.”