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By Nolan Epstein
Springfield, MO – Led by another outstanding showing from quarterback Chris Lawson and flashes of brilliance by their special teams unit, the Kickapoo Chiefs had no trouble taking care of No. 8 seed Lee’s Summit North as the first week of district playoffs got underway on Friday.
Top-seeded Kickapoo (9-1), not taking anything for granted with a one-and-done format in full force, reached pay dirt within the first two minutes of the game and never looked back – finishing off the Broncos (2-8) by a 45-13 final at home in quarterfinal action.
“We came in with a lot of confidence in this game,” said Lawson, who racked up a team-high 108 yards and 4 TDs on the ground. “We had a great game plan and I thought we executed from the first kickoff.”
Lawson wasn’t exaggerating, either, as the Chiefs indeed made one of their biggest plays of the game on the opening kickoff to the Broncos – knocking the ball loose at Lee’s Summit North’s own 36-yard line and quickly pouncing on it before the game’s first snap.
Kickapoo would turn the Lee’s Summit North miscue into seven points at the 10:01 mark of the first quarter on an 8-yard TD scamper by Lawson.
Special teams continued to be a focal point for the Chiefs throughout the first half as they also became the beneficiary of a blocked punt and a long punt return for a score by senior Corey Dye with 8:09 to go in the second quarter to put his team up 17-0 at the time.
“Special teams is a huge momentum shifter, definitely,” Lawson said. “When we had Corey [Dye] return that punt for a touchdown, I thought it really shifted the momentum more toward our way. It was a huge turning point for us.”
Lawson stole the show on offense from there – using his legs to reach the endzone three more times in the contest to extend Kickapoo’s lead to 38-0 before the end of the third.
Kickapoo’s offensive line, affectionately known as the “big nasties”, were instrumental in opening up running lanes for Lawson and offering him solid protection on passing plays.
“We had to make a few adjustments at half because [Lee’s Summit North] was bringing some pressure, but they did a great job of protecting me,” Lawson added of his offensive line. “Especially in the running game, I thought they did a good job, too.”
One of the unsung heroes of the night was junior kicker and 2nd Team All-State selection Joshua Scheiderer, who pinned the Broncos deep in their own territory on several occasions, put through all six PATs and added a 32-yard field goal.
“In the game, I just try to block everything out, do what I practice and just let it happen,” Scheiderer said after the victory. “It’s just fun to be a part of this and contribute as much as I can.”
Kickapoo’s defense was up to the task as well – holding Lee’s Summit North bell cow running back Tori Hicks to just 47 rushing yards, a far cry from his 84.8-yard average per game.
All told, Kickapoo allowed the Broncos to collect 286 total yards – many of those coming with the game well in hand in the fourth quarter.
“Our defensive staff is as good as there is,” Chiefs head coach Kurt Thompson added. “They prepared our kids well and our kids went out and made plays. It’s about players making plays and they were able to do that.”
Kickapoo stays home next week to face 4-seed Rockhurst (7-2) in a district semifinal tilt. Rockhurst eliminated Park Hill in overtime to advance.
Kickapoo 45, Lee’s Summit North 13
Lee’s Summit North 0-0-0-13 – 13
Kickapoo 7-17-14-7 – 45
First quarter
Kickapoo – Lawson 8 run (kick good)
Second quarter
Kickapoo – Scheiderer 32 kick
Kickapoo – Dye 51 punt return (kick good)
Kickapoo – Lawson 1 run (kick good)
Third quarter
Kickapoo – Lawson 3 run (kick good)
Kickapoo – Lawson 3 run (kick good)
Fourth quarter
Kickapoo – Auer 8 run (kick good)
Lee’s Summit North – Hairston 54 catch from Aston (kick no good)
Lee’s Summit North – Hairston 37 catch from Aston (kick good)
