I have a sneaking feeling Free State won't be sneaking up on Olathe North Friday night.
The Firebirds, in just its second year of existence, stunned the Eagles, 42-27, in last season's opener to snap O-North's 24-game winning streak.
Olathe North hasn't forgotten about that setback and will have a chance to redeem itself when the two teams meet on Friday night at Olathe District Activities Center, where the Eagles haven't lost since 1994.
Although the regular season finishes Oct. 29, the league title will be decided with the outcome of the Olathe North-Free State contest.
Here's a look at the league race, in predicted order of finish:
Olathe North
Don't let the graduation of 16 starters from a 10-2 team fool you. The Eagles, winners of three consecutive state championships and 44-3 the past four years, are the state's premier Class 6A program. Senior lineman Micah Minshall is regarded as one of the state's top collegiate recruits. Also, speedy junior Darren Sproles returns after averaging more than seven yards a carry as a backup.
Free State
Free State finished 6-3 last year, its second season. The Firebirds' losses were by three, two and four points. Senior running backs Jake Lawrence (821 yards and 10 touchdowns) and Chris Wheatley (566 yards and five TDs) supply Free State with a proven 1-2 threat. Lawrence is the league's top returning rusher. Senior Brian Erb, a second-team all-league pick at defensive back last year, anchors the defense. Come late October, the Firebirds should be 7-2 and in the state playoffs for the first time.
SM West
James Churchill, second-team all-league a year ago, gained 598 yards as a junior and leads the Vikings. Other key skill players back are receiver Paul Vassor and running backs Bryce Benson and Matt Gagnon. The Vikings don't have Olathe North or Olathe South -- a combined 17-4 last season -- on their schedule.
Olathe East
A disappointing 4-5 last season that included a victory over Free State, the Hawks look to rebound. Quarterback Casey Asbury, who threw for 578 yards as a sophomore, is back. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, senior tailback/linebacker James Lewis is a NCAA Div. I prospect. He rushed for 566 yards last season.
Lawrence
A surprise state qualifier and 5-5 last fall, the Lions are pumped for 1999 under new head coach Dirk Wedd. LHS returns four offensive starters and three defensive starters. Beau Wenger, Nick Gregory and Joel Dankenbring return on the offensive line. Charles Brown and Ryan Phelps provide speed in the backfield for the Lions. Predicted record: 5-4.
Olathe South
Hit hard by graduation, including the loss of three-year starter Zach Dyer at quarterback, the Falcons will struggle to match last year's 7-2 season. Defensive back Josh Perkins, a second-team all-league pick, had four interceptions last fall.
SM Northwest
Josh Hydeman returns at quarterback after sharing time with Mike Kline last year. Center Chase Johnson and tackle Ryan Lilja are both 6-3, 270 and key the Cougars' offensive line.
SM South
The Raiders struggled to a 4-5 record last season while averaging 14 points a game. J.C. Cathey and Grant Richter return as starters at wide receiver. Defensively, four starters return.
SM East
Like Olathe South, the Lancers were hit hard by graduation. SM East returns one offensive starter and two on defense.
Leavenworth
The Pioneers broke a 27-game skid and finished 2-7 last season. Seven offensive starters and four defensive starters return for Leavenworth.
SM North
Senior Danny Bartlett returns as a three-year starter at quarterback. SM North ranked last in the league with a 9.56 scoring average. A 24-21 win over Olathe East accounted for its lone victory last year. Linebacker Tanner Funk, a second-team all-league pick, headlines the Indian defense.
-- Steve Rottinghaus' phone message number is 832-7152. His e-mail address is srottinghaus@ljworld.com
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