Free State High coach Bob Lisher didn’t defend the Firebirds’ performance in a 36-15, season-opening loss last Friday to Shawnee Mission Northwest.

If anything, Lisher was offended by his team’s defense, which let SMNW running back Ryan Torain run for 179 yards and five touchdowns.

“So far this week, we haven’t worked on offense. … We were concerned by how we played last week,” Lisher said. “Basically, we have to improve fundamentally on defense, individual assignments and just tackling.”

If the Firebirds don’t, Lisher said, they could flounder in their home opener against an “offensively dangerous” Olathe South squad at 7 tonight at Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium.

The Falcons won’t pass as much as last season, when quarterback Matt Schneider threw for more than 1,800 yards, but Allen Ramirez threw two touchdown passes in O-South’s 14-0 victory last Friday over Shawnee Mission East.

Lisher said the Falcons could mix things up on the ground with junior running back Tyrone Harrison, who rushed for 102 yards on 16 carries against SME.

“Harrison is a tough guy to bring down,” Lisher said. “He’s got a lot of wiggle in him. He broke a lot of tackles in getting his 100 yards.”

Lisher was also impressed with Ramirez, a sophomore who completed 11 of 22 passes for 102 yards.

“It’s early in the season (and) kind of hard to tell about the receivers, but their quarterback is coming along,” Lisher said. “He threw the ball really well.”

Free State’s offense will miss senior running back Will Malcolm, who is out because of an elbow injury. Junior Jamie Resseguie will start in his place.

Despite last week’s defensive lapses, Lisher said his team would be refocused and ready for an Olathe South squad that went 2-7 a year ago.

“Our kids are going to be ready to play,” Lisher said. “Last week’s game is out of the way, and their minds our right for tonight.”