By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
It was a battle on Thursday night at Blue Jay Stadium, as Lawrence defeated Junction City 69-56. The high-scoring game featured a back-and-forth first half that was tied 28-28 at halftime.
The Blue Jays took an early 35-28 lead in the second half on a scoop-and-score touchdown by junior Lovell Autry, his second defensive score of the game.
Following the scoop-and-score, Lawrence found a spark on offense and also returned an interception for a touchdown. The Lions held a 63-35 lead in the fourth quarter, where the Blue Jays then stormed back to make it 63-56. The final play of the game saw Lawrence quarterback Banks Bowen escape down the sideline and score a touchdown to make the final score 69-56.
Some key plays on the night for Junction City included a pick-six by Lovell Autry, the scoop and score also by Autry, along with a 66-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Conrad Gomez and wide receiver Jamarcus Vornes. Gomez also connected with senior wide receiver Xander Caldwell for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
With the loss, Junction City falls to 1-1 on the season. Next up for the Blue Jays is Wichita Northwest High School next Friday night, in Wichita.