Shawnee Heights was able to combine both offense and defense to secure a huge victory, moving to 2-4 for the season. In a year where the Thunderbirds’ offense often ran the scoreboard out of lights, the defense had previously struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone.
Friday night, Shawnee Heights’ defense stepped up, allowing the T-Birds to come away with a 20-3 team victory. Seaman moved the ball into the red zone on both of their first two drives, but the Shawnee Heights defense tightened up, forcing field goal attempts on both occasions. Seaman made the first attempt, but the second sailed wide.
With Seaman clinging to a 3-0 lead, Shawnee Heights used a balanced mix of running and passing plays to control the ball and march down the field. AJ Gallegos (class of 2026) capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown reception, finishing the game with over 75 receiving yards and a touchdown. He also contributed two pass breakups from his cornerback position, showcasing his versatility.
With the score at 7-3, Shawnee Heights added two 31-yard field goals from Camden Granado (class of 2026) and a 26-yard touchdown reception by Javon Williams (class of 2027) to complete the scoring.
Dallas Owens (class of 2027) made a big impact on offense with a 4th-and-12, 12-yard reception, followed by a 15-yard catch later in the game, both of which came in crucial situations. Owens’ biggest moment, however, came on defense.
When Shawnee Heights moved inside the 15-yard line, quarterback Aiden Scott (class of 2026), a Washburn University commit, threw into triple coverage. Seaman cornerback Michael Hurla intercepted the pass and sprinted for what looked like an 85-yard pick-six. Owens refused to give up on the play and used his speed and angle to catch Hurla from behind, making a touchdown-saving tackle inside the 30-yard line.
Owens’ effort not only prevented a pick-six but preserved the score, as Shawnee Heights later recovered a fumble on the drive, resulting in no points for Seaman.
Evan Johnson (class of 2026) earned Defensive MVP honors, making plays all night from his linebacker position. Johnson was involved in every defensive stop and every possession. An aggressive and active linebacker, he reads and reacts with controlled precision and is a sure tackler who prevents ball carriers from gaining extra yards.
For Seaman, the receiving duo of Noah Kobuszewski (class of 2026) and Coy Barta (class of 2027) kept the Heights’ defense on their toes. Barta finished with over 125 receiving yards, with every catch gaining double-digit yardage. A skilled route runner, Barta has established himself as a major player in the 2027 wide receiver cycle.
Kobuszewski is the definition of a modern tight end, blocking effectively at the point of attack and using excellent leg drive and positioning to drive defenders to the sidelines. On passing plays, he clears space underneath and reliably catches the ball, serving as a dependable possession receiver who consistently gains the necessary yardage.
