It was close, and sometimes not so pretty, but the Free State High football team’s 6-0 victory over Olathe South last week was just that: a victory.

Now, FSHS coach Bob Lisher knows tonight is a big chance for the Firebirds really to get the momentum rolling. FSHS (1-1) plays host to Shawnee Mission West at 7 tonight at Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium. A tape-delayed broadcast will start at 10:30 tonight on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6.

It’s homecoming week for the Firebirds, and while it’s supposed to be a week of celebration, Lisher remains leery.

“We’ve always seemed to struggle on homecoming,” Lisher said. “We seemed to be thinking more about the festivities than the game itself. I hope that’s not the case this time.”

SM West is certainly capable of pouncing on the opportunity. The Vikings gave perennial power Olathe North quite a scare last week, falling 14-6 when a last-minute drive stalled short of the end zone. It dropped SM West’s record to 0-2, but no doubt gave the Vikings a boost of confidence.

“They’re a scrappy football team,” Lisher said. “They’re not the biggest team, but they do get after people. Olathe North had its hands full.”

The Firebirds, already hampered with depth issues, still won’t have running back/linebacker Will Malcolm at full strength because of an infection, and his status is up in the air. Malcolm played about a quarter in Free State’s opening game against SM Northwest Sept. 5, rushing for 43 yards on eight carries.

Malcolm’s absence puts tailback duties in junior Jamie Resseguie’s hands. Resseguie lacked opportunities against SM Northwest, but rushed seven times for 51 yards against Olathe South.

Despite the Firebirds’ scoring just six points against O-South, Lisher appears to have faith in his offense. Like last week, the Firebirds are devoting most of this week’s practice time to sharpening the defense, despite the Falcons’ posting a goose egg.

“We have to continue to improve defensively,” Lisher said, noting the Firebirds hadn’t yet forced a turnover this season. “We also have to be more consistent offensively. We need to be able to finish.”