Recap: Football vs. Olathe East

The Lancers defeated the Olathe East Hawks by a score of 43 – 14 last Friday night at the SM North Stadium. SM East continues their winning streak following their only loss this season, a 21 – 17 loss to Rockhurst.

SM East had control of the game from the start, scoring on their first two drives. The Hawks struggled to find a way to break the Lancer defense, not scoring until late in the third quarter.

“I think we’re in a great position as the playoffs get closer,” senior running back Milton Braasch said. “We are getting better and better every week.”

The Lancers pressured Olathe East to make multiple mistakes in the first half. SM East forced fumbles as well as an interception by senior Kelyn Bolton, which was followed by a Lancer rushing touchdown. As time expired in the first quarter, junior quarterback Anderson Maddox scored on a 15 yard pass to junior Michael Perry in the far corner of the end zone, bringing the score to 29 – 0 to conclude the first quarter of the game.

Olathe East, down 36 points following halftime, tried to utilize their running game against the Lancers. They maintained possession for most of the third quarter, making small runs that ate away at the clock. SM East was able to hold the Hawks at the goal line until fourth down, when they succeeded on a quarterback run up the middle. This would be their first touchdown of the game, making the score 36-7.

Olathe East gained momentum after their first score, forcing Braasch to fumble on the 20 yard line. The Hawks picked up the fumble and returned it for an 80 yard touchdown. The score was then 36 – 13 with less than two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Following a penalty on SM East on the kickoff, they started on their own 12 yard line. On the second play of the drive, Maddox connected to Bolton for an 88 yard touchdown as time ended in the third. This would be the final score of the game, ending at 43- 14.

“I don’t think we need to change anything as we face better teams,” Braasch said on the Lancer football future. “Once we [start the playoffs] every game can be your last, so you treat it that way and don’t let up on any team.”

The Lancers next game will be their Senior Night, against Lawrence at SM South Stadium on Oct. 12. Following that game, there is only one preceding the regional game and the first game of the playoffs.