James Fike took a knee to drain the final seconds of the season’s first game, a 37-0 win for Blue Springs over Lee’s Summit West. Looking to the sideline, Fike lifted his arms in the air and let out a roar.
A year ago, Fike’s season ended early, as he broke his collarbone on the first drive of the second game against Lee’s Summit West. The back-up quarterback was injured the next play and James’ younger brother, Jordan Fike, the third string quarterback had to play the rest of the season. Coach Jed Paulsen said the season was a blur from that point, as the Wildcats finished 4-7.
When Fike saw the schedule for this season and realized he would get an opportunity to return to the field against the same team he was injured against, he started to visualize the moment. The reality was just as sweet as anything Fike could dream up. He threw two touchdowns and ran for two touchdowns.
“I’ve been waiting for this ever since September 1st of last year ever since I got injured. This is a long time coming,” Fike said. “I can’t even describe what I’m feeling right now. Just so much joy.”
Blue Springs wide receiver and defensive back Max Toia changed the first half against Lee’s Summit West on both sides of the ball. He caught the first touchdown pass of the season from quarterback Fike in the first quarter following another interception by defensive back Keegan Jones. In the second quarter, Toia intercepted a pass from Lee’s Summit West quarterback Dawson Edwards to set the Blue Springs offense up on the edge of the red zone.
Two plays after Toia’s interception, Fike threw his second touchdown of the half, finding tight end Vance Herring over the middle.
Lee’s Summit West’s offense never found its rhythm as Blue Springs pressured Edwards. Edwards threw two first-half interceptions. Blue Springs turned both of them into touchdown passes by Fike.
Lee’s Summit West muffed a punt early in the second half, and Blue Springs recovered to start a drive within Titans territory again. Fike kept the ball on a read-option and ran for a touchdown. Before the third quarter ended, Blue Springs drove down the field for a rushing touchdown by Dontay Ullberg.
Fike scored his fourth touchdown by running for another one from 15 yards out, giving Blue Springs a 35-0 lead. A snap out of the back of the end zone gave Blue Springs a safety and the final score of 37-0.
It’s the first time Blue Springs has beaten Lee’s Summit West, a Suburban Gold Conference rival, since 2021. It’s the first win against Lee’s Summit West for Blue Springs since Jed Paulsen became coach three years ago. Paulsen urged his team not to be complacent after the dominant win to open the season.
“We’re excited to get the victory but we have a lot to clean up,” Paulsen said. “It was a sloppy win and we’ve got a lot of things to clean up and we can get a lot better.”
