SM West @ SM North Recap

The Indians by far should be 2-2 after this week. Turnovers have killed them all season long, and Friday night was no different. After trailing 7-0 to SM West, the North offense was trying to respond. Ryan Theis dropped back to pass when Sean Dilley of West ripped the ball from Theis, and took it 26 yards for a touchdown. The very next North possesion, Matt Maynard had the ball popped out of his hands and into the air caught by Lee Spight of West who went 20 yards for another Viking touchdown. Within minutes West had a 20-0 lead over the Indians. After a touchdown run by Brock Burrows, the Indians cut the lead. Right before half Indian star Mason Perez found a pass by Armani Williams and intercepted it for 60 yards giving North a big time chance to make it a game before half. The next play Ryan Theis hit Perez who hurt his shoulder on the catch for 22 yards, and the Indians trailed 20-13 at the half. North was forced to play the second half without Seniors Mason Perez, and Mitch Paden. The absence of the two went noticed as the Indians struggled offensivly the entire second half. Both teams were unable to get anything going offensivly in the second half, and West eventually held on for the 20-13 win. Many wonder what the game would have been like without the two fumble returns, and having Mason Perez able to play in the second half. North now (1-3) will travel to Lawrence to meet Lawrence Free State (3-1). This will be the 6th meeting between the two schools, with Free State leading the series (4-1)

Week 1 SM North 26 SM South 22

Heading into this season Shawnee Mission North had high hopes. After making the playoffs for the first time since the early 2000's last season, they had a huge senior class coming back for more. They proved in a fantastic game against South, that they were a new team. The old SM North seemed to always struggle in close games, and eventually find a way to lose the game. This team was different. On this hot night at North District Stadium, the Indians found a way. After going up 26-14 it appeared the Indians had it in hand, but the Raiders weren't done. They rallied and made it 26-22 with 38 seconds left and had the ball and the North 12. The Indians forced fourth down, and had one last play to prove people wrong. The pass looked good from Souths quarterback Alex Forslund, but somehow Jack Currie stepped in front of it and got the interception. The old SM North would have missed the interception and lost the game. This team has an abundance of talent. Senior Mason Perez will again prove he belongs at the top of the Sunflower League. Brock Burrows, and Mitch Paden are a bruising combination at running back, and give the Indians a chance to beat anyone. Matthew Maynard has raw speed, and can make a big play at any moment. Ryan Theis had big shoes to fill after the departure of Kyle Goodburn, and in week one he filled those shoes. Now comes the big test, can they beat Olathe North. The Eagles are by far one of the top teams in the state, and have a huge rushing attack with Orange Mooney. The Indians will surly have their hands full, but just like in 2003 when SMN shocked OLN anything is possible.


Check back later this week for new stories, and updates. Also don't forget to make your predictions for this weeks games to win a free oil change.

Player of the Game

The Crown Player of the Game brought to you by Crown Toyota and Cody Chiles.

Adams player of the game from 9/2 is Mason Perez. Perez not only shut down South on the defensive end, he shined on the offensive side. He had three catches for 115yds and two touchdowns.


The play of the game- A simple screen pass from Ryan Theis to Matt Maynard. Maynard caught the pass and was quickly met by South defenders, somehow Maynard managed to dance his way out of trouble and score a 26 yard touchdown.

Interview with Coach Grayless

Q- What are some differences in year two compared to year one of your head coaching career?


A- Lots of logistical stuff, it's not just all x's and o's. It's a lot more politics, and dealing with administration. When I was just an assistant, it was all about coaching and having fun.


Q- How do you think this team will fair in the Sunflower League this season?

A- This group is extremely competitive. We have 25 seniors this year which is the biggest senior class in the seven years I've been here. They have answered every challenge given to them this year, and it's also the second year that they've had with our new offense and defense.

Q- Who will be some players to keep an eye on this year?

A- In our backfield watch for Brock Burrows, and Mitch Paden. We also have some guys who really shine with the pressure in Billy Carr and Matt Maynard. Mason Perez will also be a guy to look for, and Avery Richard. Our quarterback this season will be Ryan Theis, who's also a team captain.

Q- Bigger game this season Shawnee Mission Northwest or Shawnee Mission East?

A- Northwest is obviously a traditional rival and a District opponent. I would say the Northwest game this year would be bigger, because it's one we have to have for Districts. We have two goals at the begining of each season, thats to be the best in the Shawnee Mission School District, and to be the best team in our Playoff District.