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

photo author: Mike Gunno / Special to Journal-World

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

Rivalry in sport brings out the competitive nature of almost everyone and that nature was on display on Friday night at the City Showdown among key members of the Free State football team as the Firebirds defeated Lawrence 24-14.

In the third quarter of the Firebirds’ Week 5 game at Olathe West, Boston Baker quarterback was forced out of the game after being hit on the sideline. As it turned out, Baker landed poorly and was ruled out for the next two weeks with a broken wrist.

Even after missing those two weeks, nothing could stop him from competing against cross-town rival Lawrence for the first and only time in his career.

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

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

Before last week’s battle with Shawnee Mission Northwest, Baker participated in pregame warmups but did not compete. This week, with the help of medical professionals, his cast was cut to just below his elbow, allowing him to move more and take pictures.

The snap problem was evident as Baker fumbled with the snap on the first play but ultimately completed the pass. However, the rest of the game went smoothly, including a clean pocket throughout the evening.

“I have to give credit to my O-line,” Baker said. “They didn’t touch me, they didn’t beat me. I have such a big, bulky cast, so I’m just glad I wasn’t touched. All the credit goes to them.”

This isn’t Baker’s first injury in his high school career. In fact, this is his third appearance as he tore both his left and right ACL in the previous two seasons. Despite the injuries that seem to keep piling up for Baker, he knows it’s 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 had an impressive first half in the air. With the Firebirds leaning heavily on the run game, Baker’s impact as a passer was clear and evident as he completed 7 of 9 passes for 62 yards, including a 41-yard pass downfield to Braylin Preston that ultimately set up the score. score a field goal.

Baker finished the second half with just two completions, but these were arguably the two most important plays of the night. Baker found Maddon Brittingham in the third quarter, who returned the ball for a 29-yard gain that ultimately led to a Parker Moore touchdown. Then, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Baker found Braden Blanchard in open space for a 52-yard touchdown that ultimately put the game out of reach.

Free State had another star waiting to return in Noah Simpson. Simpson impressed in the first game of the season against Shawnee Mission East, rushing for 86 yards on 14 carries. Against the school, Lawrence Simpson made his presence known right away with two runs of 30-plus yards on his 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 totaling 16 yards on two carries to open the half. Even without his presence in the second half, his impact was certainly felt in the Firebirds’ offense.

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

photo author: Mike Gunno / Special to Journal-World

Lawrence Free State senior Noah Simpson attempts to defeat Lawrence High for the first time Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Lawrence.

With the win, Free State finished the regular season with a 5-3 record and finished fifth in the 6A East standings. The Firebirds have a familiar opponent in the first round: No. 12 Olathe West, whom they defeated on the road 30-13 in Week 5. Kick-off for the first round at the Free State Stadium is set for Friday at 7:00 pm.

photo author: Mike Gunno / Special to Journal-World

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