Shawnee Mission East dug out of a 21-0 first-quarter hole and beat Lawrence Free State 42-39 on Homecoming night Friday, Oct. 9.

Five Lancers scored touchdowns in the comeback, the biggest of the season for a team that had lost two of its previous three games by one score. The win evened SM East's record at 3-3 heading into the Thursday, Oct. 15, road game at Olathe Northwest.

Free State controlled the opening quarter. The Firebirds scored on their first possession, recovered a Lancer fumble on SM East's first offensive drive and turned it into a second touchdown, then added a third score before the period ended. The Lancers trailed 21-0 and had yet to mount a sustained drive, according to The Harbinger, SM East's student newspaper.

The second quarter belonged to SM East. Junior Thomas Vanice scored first, junior Rory Capstack followed, and senior Gus Kettler scored a third touchdown to tie the game at 21. Free State answered with a field goal to take a 24-21 lead into halftime.

Vanice struck again in the third quarter to give SM East its first lead. In the fourth, senior Tommy Trucksess intercepted a pass and returned it for a pick-six. Sports Radio 810 WHB described Trucksess as a dominant presence on defense and called the interception return game-sealing. Junior Lucas Keller added another touchdown to push the lead to 42-24.

Free State did not fold. The Firebirds scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and converted a two-point attempt, trimming the margin to 42-39. It was not enough.

The Lancers' wishbone offense had drawn praise before the game. Free State coach Stewart told the Lawrence Journal-World on Thursday, Oct. 8, that SM East's offensive line was "as good as any we've seen."

Before kickoff, the school crowned its Homecoming royalty. Braxton Jeffrey was named Homecoming king. Vada Walsh and Anne Bowser tied for Homecoming queen.

SM East now sits at 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the Sunflower League, according to MaxPreps. The Lancers have scored 188 points and allowed 170 through six games.

Next up is the Oct. 15 trip to Olathe Northwest, which enters at 4-2 overall and 4-1 in district play after its own comeback win Friday, Oct. 9, a 35-28 victory over Lawrence. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.