No matter the opponent, when the Free State High football team plays at Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium it’s always a big deal.

But the 7 p.m. matchup tonight against Olathe East has even bigger implications. The Firebirds are 3-0 for the first time ever and sit atop the Sunflower League standings with Olathe North as the only undefeated teams.

And to play this game under the lights at Memorial, well, it’s big time.

“It’s exciting for the kids,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “They really enjoy the fact that they get to play there.”

Free State’s played at Memorial once the past two years, and used it to tape practices this season. The Firebirds are familiar with the artificial turf and the crown, all things Olathe East will be playing on for the first time. Still, the Hawks are pumped.

“You’re going to play in a situation that not a lot of people in high school get to play in,” East coach Jeff Meyers said. “It excites the kids, it excites everyone, actually.”

East, 2-1, is coming off a 26-7 loss to Lawrence High, in which the Lions dominated nearly every facet of the game. That worries Lisher, who’s squad wasn’t nearly as sharp in a last-minute 12-7 win against Shawnee Mission West last Friday.

Free State’s offensive line, which had been so dominating in its first two wins, was inconsistent against the Vikings. Players missed assignments and didn’t control the line of scrimmage. Against a bigger, more physical team like East, those mistakes would be devastating.

“They understand the impact they have on us winning,” Lisher said. “If we have problems up front, we’re going to struggle.

“We are familiar with their offense, and their defense is somewhat similar to ours. But I really believe the matchup of the lines is the real key. We have to win on the offensive and defensive lines for us to have success.”

For his part, Meyers has a hard time not focusing on the linemen as much as Free State’s bevy of skill players. Firebird quarterback Matt Berner, running back David Allen and wide receivers Bijai Jones and Dain Dillingham are among the league leaders at their respective positions, while fullback Cole Douglas and tight end Matt lane also need to be accounted for.

It’s easy to understand Meyers’ worries.

“Whether you’re talking about the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, slotback or the tight end, I don’t care who you’re playing, if you have those kinds of athletes, it makes them a little bit more dangerous,” Meyers said.