I took in the Olathe East  vs. Olathe North season opener on Friday. While neither could get its running game going, that had more to do with the opposing defenses, and I came away convinced that both teams are going to be as advertised this year.

Olathe East showed it can win without a huge game from senior running back JaVon Williams, edging Olathe North 14-13. The Hawks' defense was good in most every category, containing Olathe North tailback James Franklin (20 carries for 51 yards) and coming up with three big interceptions (plus another on a failed two-point version attempt). Senior Derahn Williams came away with two of those interceptions. ... JaVon Williams, meanwhile, will have his big games - and the Hawks will only be that much stronger.

The Olathe North Eagles couldn't pull off the statement victory, but their opening week effort said plenty about their potential. The Eagles' defensive front was positively stifling, holding reigning Sunflower League rushing leader JaVon Williams to 52 yards in 21 carries. Williams is a great back, but there was nowhere to run Friday. ... On the offensive side, senior receiver Bryan Shephard showed his playmaking abilities with a 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown and a team-high five receptions for 85 yards. Junior quarterback David Blazevic flashed a big arm in his debut as the Eagles' starter. He was inconsistent with three interceptions, but the talent is there. Especially impressive was a 37-yard strike to Doug Peete on fourth-and-three to key a first-quarter touchdown drive.

I'll write more about the other games around the league during the week as I check in with coaches. But at first glance of the scoreboard, I was especially impressed by Shawnee Mission West's 40-19 win over Lawrence Free State. Coming into the season, I thought the Vikings were an absolute mystery. They finished last season on a four-game losing streak and never looked quite right over the second half of the season. Yet, Tim Callaghan's program had been so strong until that slump that it stood to reason SM West would be able to right itself this year. And, sure enough, it looks like they have - at least, so far. Free State was picked to finish third in the league in a preseason coaches poll, so this was a strong early statement from the Vikings.

Also, Olathe Northwest gave Olathe South quite a fight before the Falcons prevailed 23-22. That's an encouraging effort from coach Todd Dain's Ravens. Meanwhile, Olathe South came into this season with a lot to prove after losing all but three starters from its 6A state runner-up team. A win in new coach Jeff Gourley's debut is a start.

I'll examine those games more and look ahead to next Friday's schedule throughout this week. Remember to check Varsity Zone daily for Sunflower League football coverage. On Monday, I'll post the new Sunflower League power rankings. On Tuesday, I'll take you around the league with news and notes. And on Wednesday, we'll break down the upcoming games.

| Ryan Young, ryoung@kcstar.com