Week three of the high school football season featured two defensive minded teams, as the Shawnee Heights T-Birds faced the Washburn Rural Jr. Blues. It was homecoming for Washburn Rural, and the 100th year anniversary of the school.

After jumping to a 20-0 lead after three quarters, the Shawnee Heights T-Birds held on for a close win against the Washburn Rural Jr. Blues, 20-15.

The T-Birds, 3-0, leaned heavily on their defense. Washburn Rural moved the ball effectively early, only for Shawnee Heights to stiffen on defense and force two early turnovers on downs. Overall, Jason Swift’s team held the Jr. Blues to 52 yards rushing and 332 passing, much of that coming in the fourth quarter when Washburn Rural trailed.

Meanwhile, the T-Bird offense utilized big, explosive plays to their advantage. The first touchdown of the game came on a Michael Hoffer 68-yard touchdown run. Then in the third quarter, senior Mitchell Lady took over with a 42-yard touchdown run off the read option, and then a 41-yard touchdown pass to receiver Zach Cummings.

Lady was 6 of 10 for 137 yards passing and one touchdown. He also led the team in rushing with 77 yards off 11 carries. Senior running back Trey Jenkins had 21 carries for 75 yards. The team collectively rushed for 251 yards.

Jr. Blues starting quarterback Jordan White missed tonight’s game after getting injured last week against Manhattan. Head coach Steve Buhler turned to Michael Schurig to lead the offense. The senior signal-caller made his first start since last year when he tore his ACL. He finished with 332 yards passing and two touchdowns, completing 17 of his 33 throws.

Washburn Rural, 1-2, will look to regroup when they travel to Junction City on Friday. Shawnee Heights faces a big test on the road against undefeated Seaman.