Kez Demby picks off HyVee Athlete of the Week award

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - No one had to explain the magnitude of Friday's game to Kez Demby. The Shawnee Mission West senior understood everything that was on the line when he suited up to play Lawrence High School in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

"All of my family played at Lawrence High School. Demby is a big name in Lawrence. So, it felt great to wear their number (22)," he said.

Demby made the number proud with his performance. He intercepted two passes in the 21-14 victory. This was just Demby's third game filling in at free safety for an injured teammate.

"I'm playing for a purpose. I'm playing for my friend Robert Rice. I'm playing inspired football," he said. "I feel like if he was out here, he would be doing everything he could for our team to win the game. So, I'm just trying to do that for him."

Thanks to Demby and the defense, Shawnee Mission West improved to 10-1 on the season. Next up, the Vikings will face Free State High School on Friday in the state semifinals.