The Lions are set to take on their cross-town rivals the Free State Firebirds tonight. 

The Chesty Lions have dominated teams throughout Kansas this season. Led by a talented senior class, the Lions are 6-0 and currently projected to be the No. 1 seed in the Class 6A West Region.

Going into the season, the team had high expectations after a successful 8-2 finish in the 2019 campaign. 

“The expectations are an undefeated regular season and win the four additional games,” senior linebacker Cole Mondi said in a preseason interview.

So far, Lawrence High has done just that. Offensively, the Lions have exhibited an explosive offense that has averaged 41.3 points per game. 

Quarterback Jackson Dooley has thrown for more than 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns. Dooley’s main target thus far has been fellow senior John Green, snagging 21 receptions for 341 yards and four touchdowns. Seniors Tre’Sean Jackson, Ben King and Ntense Obono have all been instrumental in the passing game as well. 

Running back Devin Neal has been at the forefront of the rushing attack thus far. The four-star KU commit has run for 827 yards and 12 touchdowns. Fellow senior running back Graham Hough has also scored six touchdowns. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chesty Lions have allowed an average of just 170 total yards to opposing offenses while forcing 11 turnovers. 

LHS is led by four-year letterman Mondi. Mondi has been a tackling machine from the linebacker position, including a huge stop to clinch a win versus Olathe North last week. 

Across the defensive line, LHS has gotten constant pressure on the quarterback from edge rushers Teagan Flynn, Preston Greenwood and Jack Stoll. 

The Lions secondary has also been strong with safety Corban Oberzan and corners Kallun Chitama and Tre’Sean Jackson all providing solid coverage. 

Tonight, the Chesty Lions hope to avenge a 31-30 loss from last season and this senior class hopes to record its first win against the Firebirds. 

With a win Friday, the Lions would secure the No. 1 seed and put themselves in pivotal position to make a run at a state title, which would be the schools first since 1995. 

While attendance is still limited, tune in to Midco Sports Network to watch or listen on radio station 1320 to follow the game.