Baker and Simpson return to lead Free State past LHS in City Showdown

photo by: Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence Free State senior Boston Baker passes the ball to a teammate against Lawrence High Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Lawrence.

Rivalries in sports bring out the competitive nature of just about anyone, and Friday night at the City Showdown, that spirit was on display for the Free State football team’s key players as the Firebirds defeated Lawrence 24-14.

In the third quarter of the Firebirds’ week five game at Olathe West, quarterback Boston Baker had to leave the game after taking a hit on the sideline. As it turned out, Baker ended up funny and ruled out for the next two weeks due to a broken wrist.

Even after serving those two weeks, nothing was going to stop him from competing against crosstown rival Lawrence for the first and only time in his career.

“Since he got injured, his goal has been to come back for Lawrence High,” Free State head coach Kevin Stewart said. “And I said to him, ‘I don’t know.’ I told him I don’t guarantee anything. He’s put in the work and he showed us this week, ‘Hey, I can do this, coach,’ so we felt confident that he could go out there and do it. And it paid off for us.”

Baker’s appearance in Friday night’s game didn’t come without a slight adjustment to the large cast that covered nearly his entire left arm during the first two weeks of recovery.

Before last week’s bout with Shawnee Mission Northwest, Baker took part in pre-match warmups but did not compete. This week, with the help of medical professionals, his cast was able to be cut just below his elbow, allowing for greater mobility to take photos.

The snap-taking problem was evident, as Baker fumbled the snap on the first play of the game but ultimately completed his handoff. However, the rest of the match went smoothly, including a zero score for the entire evening.

“I have to give all the credit to my O-line,” Baker said. “I wasn’t touched, I wasn’t hit. I have a large, sizable cast, so I’m glad I didn’t get touched. All credit goes to them.”

This isn’t the first injury for Baker during his high school career. In fact, it’s his third, as he tore both his left and right ACLs in the last two seasons. Despite the injuries Baker always seems to be piling up, he knows this is just another aspect of football.

“I am a resilient person. I’m never going to back down from a fight and come back as quickly as possible,” Baker said.

Baker put together a quietly impressive first half through the air. While the Firebirds leaned on the run game as much as possible, Baker’s impact as a passer was clear and evident as he completed 7 of 9 passes for 62 yards, including a downfield pass of 41 yards to Bralin Preston that ultimately set down. a field goal.

Baker finished the second half with just two completions, but they may have come on the two biggest plays of the night. Baker found Maddon Brittingham in the third quarter, who returned the ball to complete a 29-yard gain that ultimately set up a Parker Moore touchdown. Then, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Baker Braiden found Blanchard in a wide open space for a 52-yard touchdown that finally put the game out of reach.

Free State had another star waiting for a comeback in the form of Noah Simpson. Simpson impressed in the season opener against Shawnee Mission East, rushing for 86 yards on 14 carries. Against Lawrence High, Simpson immediately made his presence known by ripping off two runs of more than 30 yards on the first drive. Simpson finished the first half with 76 yards on just seven carries.

Unfortunately for Simpson, he suffered his third injury of the season after gaining 16 total yards on two carries to open the half. Even without his presence in the second half, his impact was certainly felt for the Firebirds’ offense.

“We probably won’t win that game without him because we just don’t have that confidence and energy,” Stewart said. “He really did a great job and I am very proud of him.”

By means of

photo by: Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence Free State senior Noah Simpson runs for a first down against Lawrence High Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Lawrence.

By coming away with the win, Free State finished the regular season with a 5-3 record and earned the No. 5 seed in the 6A East bracket. The Firebirds have a familiar first-round foe in No. 12 Olathe West, whom they defeated 30-13 on the road in week five. Kick-off for the first round at the Free State Stadium is Friday at 7 p.m

photo by: Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence Free State senior Noah Simpson runs for a first down against Lawrence High Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Lawrence.