Photo Credit: Jeff Stead/PrepsKC 
Lee’s Summit came into Friday’s game against Blue Springs wanting to make a statement.
The Tigers (2-0) did just that as they pounced on the Wildcats early and often en route to a 35-14 win at Bud Hertzog Stadium.
“We wanted to set the tempo and run the ball a little bit,” first-year coach Todd Miller said. “And we got out of the gates pretty quick.”
Lee’s Summit needed just 59 seconds to open the scoring as Brayden Layman connected with Payton Hatfield for a 63-yard touchdown to give the Tigers an early 7-0 lead.
The Wildcats wasted no time responding as Yani Hasty returned the ensuing kickoff to the Lee’s Summit 35-yard line. Five plays later, Blue Springs was on the board as James Fike lunged his way into the end zone with a 1-yard run to tie the game 7-7.
Blue Springs appeared to stop Lee's Summit’s offense on its next series forcing Miller to make a decision. Facing a 4th-and-1 from their own 33-yard line, Karsten Fiene came into the game. Fiene picked up the low snap and cut his way through the Blue Springs defense for the 67-yard touchdown to give the Tigers a 14-7 lead.
“He (Fiene) is a tough kid … a throwback kid,” Miller said. “He’s physical, he’s a technician. … he works at his craft. I think in a time and age where guys want to specialize (one thing) he wants to do everything.”
As for Fiene’s awareness on the low snap, Miller said that turned the tide of the game in Lee’s Summit favor.
“That got us a little separation. … because they were going to,” he said.
The Wildcats tied the game late in the first quarter as Fike connected with Jarell Jackson for a 20-yard touchdown.
Lee’s Summit took the lead for good early in the second quarter as Preston Hatfield — twin brother of Payton scored from the 2-yard line to give the Tigers a commanding 21-14 lead.
“It’s like a cheated code,” Miller said of coaching the Hatfield twins. “You can call things … they’re so intuitive. … they just (like to) play football. They’re really good kids and special football players. I’m glad they’re Tigers.”
