State tops Shawnee Mission West 56-9
Just before scoring a 27 yard touchdown, junior Jax Dineen avoids getting tackled. The firebirds won against SMW with a score of 56-9. “Its the first time we’ve beat that team in awhile” Dineen says.
September 5, 2017
The football team beat the Shawnee Mission West Vikings 56-9 Friday. It didn’t look good for the Firebirds after an early botched snap that resulted in a safety for the Vikings, but the Firebirds persisted to score 49 unanswered points, topped off with a 46 yard touchdown run by sophomore Ja’Brandion Douglas.
Seniors Nathan Spain and Spencer Roe High-five after Roe recovers a fumble. Near the beginning of the 3rd quarter Spain made an interception breaking SMW’s play. “My hopes for this season is to make it to the state championship game” Spain says.
“Once we got the butterflies out, we really clicked,” senior Jake Rittman said.
The Firebirds’ win featured a strong performance by the defense. The defense forced four turnovers. These turnovers were highlighted by an interception in the third quarter by senior lineman Nathan Spain which resulted in a touchdown pass from junior Jordan Preston to senior Tanner Cobb the following play.
“I just threw my hands up and caught it,” Spain said.
After a strong first showing, the Firebirds hope to keep the momentum heading into their next game against Shawnee Mission South at home on Friday, September 8th.
![After receiving advice from her students, orchestra director Judy Erpelding marks her music. Although the director normally makes the artistic decisions, Erpelding will often consult her students and hear their opinions on what sounds good and what they should try out. “[The students] are the heart of the program, not me,” Erpelding said. “I know they will carry that on and I will miss them. Making great music with them, being able to challenge them, taking their inspiration.”](https://www.fsfreepressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Roust_Erpelding_5_11_23-317x475.jpg)
