Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Shawnee Mission Northwest quarterback Trai Woodruff runs past Lawrence High’s Caleb Wingerd as he falls to the turf during a run in the first half of a football game against Lawrence High. Lawrence lost 26-7, pushing the team’s record to 0-6 on the year.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — The Lawrence High Chesty Lions were in a solid spot. Trailing by one score and following a turnover out of the halftime break, Lawrence possessed the football once again, thanks to its defense for forcing a Shawnee Mission Northwest punt.

But then the tide turned.

On the ensuing possession, the Cougars capitalized by forcing the Lions’ second of four turnovers — three of them fumbles in the second half — and never looked back, rolling to a 26-7 Sunflower League victory at the Shawnee Mission District Stadium at Shawnee Mission North.

Lawrence dropped to 0-6 on the season with the loss. Shawnee Mission Northwest improved to 3-3.

“We had too many errors that you can’t make,” Lawrence coach Jason Thoren said. “I thought our run defense improved tonight, which is one thing I’ve been looking for. But we just have to put it together on both sides of the ball and on special teams.”

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High quarterback Joey Dooley attempts a deep pass on the Lions’ opening drive against Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Lawrence had four offensive possessions in the second half. Three resulted in fumbles — the last one occurring as the clock showed all zeros — and the other was a turnover on downs.

“It’s just the simple things,” Thoren said. “I think guys were trying to do too much sometimes out there. And that’s a real thing. We just have to focus on making the routine play. Too many penalties, but, hey, that’s football.”

The Lions defense had some difficulties catching up with the Cougars’ Trai Woodruff to Brandon Brown connection, which combined for two touchdowns over the top for a total of 66 yard touchdown scores in the second half.

Lawrence responded to Northwest’s opening drive touchdown with an 8-plus-minute drive, capped by Tahj Edwards’ 1-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.

“That was a dang good drive,” Thoren said. “They packed the box on us a little bit. We ran the ball fairly well regardless. Our offensive line is a dang good offensive line and Tahj is a good runner. Even when it’s not there, I feel like he is getting three (yards). That’s what good runners do.”

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High’s Tahj Edwards runs the ball during the first half.

Despite the loss, Thoren also continues to be impressed with the play of sophomore quarterback Joey Dooley.

“There are a lot of things I like out of Joey,” Thoren said. “Joey is a sponge; he’s absorbing everything and learning on the run, which is not an easy thing to do. But we all have to do it. He’s a competitor and super intelligent and a great teammate, which is probably the most important thing.”

Lawrence returns to Shawnee Mission North next Friday to take on the Bison, another 0-6 squad.

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Shawnee Mission Northwest quarterback Trai Woodruff attempts to break a tackle during a run in the first quarter.

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High’s Jaxon Becker lowers his shoulder as he looks to pick up more yards after the catch during a play in the first half.

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High head coach Jason Thoren talks with his team during a timeout late in the game.