OVERLAND PARK — After spending some time as a wide receiver, Maddon Brittingham is back in his comfort zone — in the backfield.
“It’s good to get out there and do what I can for the team,” the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Lawrence Free State running back said.
Brittingham starred in the role of running back on Friday night, tallying four total touchdowns in Lawrence Free State’s 49-27 Sunflower League victory over Shawnee Mission West on the campus of Shawnee Mission South.
“Maddon was just showing everyone how strong he is,” Free State coach Kevin Stewart said. “He’s so good, so fast and just such a stud.
“He’s a really good runner. He’ll continue to get better and better the more reps he gets.”
Featuring a pistol offense behind the stout Firebirds line, Brittingham and running mate and speedy junior quarterback Finn Moore rushed effectively throughout. Brittingham had an impressive 92-yard rushing touchdown where he shook off several would-be tacklers down the Free State sideline.
“They were catching up to me, so I had to slow down and fight them off and run through that. The offensive line was making it easy for me — I’m thankful for that,” Brittingham said. “I enjoyed running the pistol offense tonight.”
Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports
Free State’s Maddon Brittingham runs through a Shawnee Mission West defender during a rushing touchdown early in the Firebirds 49-27 win in Week 3.
The Firebirds improved to 2-1 on the year — 2-0 in Sunflower league play — and got back on track after last week’s 49-7 defeat to top-ranked Manhattan.
“Give Shawnee Mission West credit, they’re getting a lot better. I think the story for us was our offense was really good tonight,” Stewart said.
Moore tossed a short pass to Brittingham and showcased his arm with a 91-yard pass and catch to senior receiver Nello Allegrucci.
“That was a nice play by him getting his first big touchdown,” Stewart said.
The Vikings (1-2) struck first when senior running back Vincent Allen scored his first of two first-half touchdowns with a three-yard scamper on the opening drive.
Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports
Free State’s Finn Moore breaks a tackle during a big run against Shawnee Mission West during a football game Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at Shawnee Mission South district stadium in Overland Park.
But Free State tallied 21 unanswered points thanks to balanced play on both sides of the ball. Brittingham scored two of the three scores during the stretch on a six-yard run and a four-yard toss from Moore.
Moore’s big passing TD with Allegrucci gave the Firebirds a 14-7 advantage with 4:05 left in the first quarter. The Free State defense then held the Vikings in check aside but Allen managed a kickoff return for a touchdown to minimize the deficit to 21-13 with 5:42 left in the first half.
However, Free State had a response before the break when senior Nez Lattimore-Douglas scored on a 13-yard run with 2:45 remaining.
The Firebirds will look to carry momentum into next week when they host Olathe East.
Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports
Free State’s Nez Lattimore-Douglas runs for 13-yard rushing touchdown late in the first half.
Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports
Free State’s Keeten Parish jumps entire the air as he pressures Shawnee Mission West’s quarterback during a play in the first half.
Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports
Free State’s Alijah Beckum reels in the ball for a long reception during the first half.
