Top recruits in the state of Kansas meet up as Lawrence High seeks to get back to state-title glory.
Video: Top 10 Games of the WeekOlathe North (Kan.) at Lawrence (Kan.)
Friday, 7 p.m. Central timeWhy it's big: Top-ranked Lawrence would claim no worse than a share of a 10th Sunflower League title – but first since 1993 – with a win at home Friday night against Olathe North.
Lawrence (7-0) is shaping up as the favorite to win its first state crown since 1995. The Chesty Lions were a dominant force in Kansas prep football in yesteryear, winning 10 out of 17 state titles from 1979-95.
Officially, Olathe North also enters the game undefeated. Its season-opening loss at Heritage (Rogers, Ark.) was changed to a forfeit victory. The Eagles have a winning record against every Sunflower League member since 2004, including a 7-2 edge over Lawrence.
Names to watch: Senior
J.D. Woods became Lawrence's all-time leading rusher after running for 284 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-7 win against Olathe Northwest last week. However, the Lions' most prized college prospect is two-way lineman
Amani Bledsoe. The senior is a four-star recruit and Kansas' second-rated Class of 2016 prospect, according to 247Sports.
The third-ranked prospect in Kansas is Olathe North receiver/safety
Isaiah Simmons. The rangy 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior has won back-to-back state track and field titles in the long jump.
Olathe North seeks to spoil Lawrence's undefeated record.
Photo by Sam Soliday
