Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Shawnee Mission Northwest’s Trai Woodruff breaks a tackle attempted by Lawrence High’s Turner Juelsgaard during an opening round playoff game Oct. 30, 2025 at Shawnee Mission North High School.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Same opponent. Same field. Just 20 days separated the last time Lawrence High faced Shawnee Mission Northwest.

The main differences from Thursday night in the opening round of the KSHSAA Class 6A playoffs?

The Cougars from Northwest leaned all the way into their biggest strength — senior quarterback Trai Woodruff. The speedy and shifty signal-caller tallied an unprecedented six touchdowns to lead No. 3 Shawnee Mission Northwest to a 50-40 victory over upset-minded No. 14 Lawrence High on Thursday night inside the district stadium on the campus of Shawnee Mission North.

That, and fewer mistakes and a much higher level of execution from the Lawrence offense, which produced touchdowns from six different contributors.

“It was a completely different game,” Lawrence coach Jason Tholen said. “The first game, we did OK with stopping the run, and we did at times tonight, but (Woodruff) was really good on the perimeter. He’s tough.”

“But it was back and forth,” he continued. “Our offense played great. It was our plan to have our receivers come in and get after it and wear (Northwest) out a bit. They were running good routes and Joey (Dooley) played a great game.”

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High’s Joey Dooley throws a pass during an opening round playoff game Oct. 30, 2025 at Shawnee Mission North High School.

Dooley, the sophomore quarterback, put together a career-best effort with four touchdown passes — to four different receivers — as well as a rushing touchdown of his own.

“He’s an amazing kid. He’s a great leader,” Tholen said of Dooley. “I thought he’s done great all year long and I was proud of the way he played tonight.”

Dooley connected with junior Ethan Curry, senior Jaxon Becker, senior Josh Galbreath, and sophomore Truth Pope for touchdowns. And Acein Goodman notched an 80-yard touchdown run on a pitch from Dooley on game’s first offensive play.

In addition to the opening lead, Lawrence owned leads of 14-7, 20-14, 26-21, 33-29 and 40-36 — that final advantage coming with 9:48 left in the contest before Northwest scored twice and held the Lions to two turnovers on downs.

“We were matching points the whole game until the very end,” Tholen said. “I’m just proud of how our guys stuck together.”

The head of the Lawrence High program is confident there’s a bright future ahead, after a rough 1-8 campaign.

“Yeah, for sure,” Thoren said. “We had a freshman (Goodman) go 80 yards for a touchdown. Joey is a sophomore. We have a lot of underclassmen on the field which is good. Lots to build on plus experience playing in these games and some good football players are coming up, for sure.”

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High’s Jaxon Becker hauls in a touchdown catch during an opening round playoff game Oct. 30, 2025 at Shawnee Mission North High School.

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High’s Joey Dooley celebrates on the sideline after the Lions score on the team’s first play from scrimmage during an opening round playoff game Oct. 30, 2025 at Shawnee Mission North High School.

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence’s defensive players lift up Shawnee Mission Northwest’s Trai Woodruff off the ground to stop one of his rushing attempts during an opening round playoff game Oct. 30, 2025 at Shawnee Mission North High School.

Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports

Lawrence High’s Khyree McGee takes a big hit while going up for a pass attempt late in the Lion’s opening round playoff game Oct. 30, 2025 at Shawnee Mission North High School.