Free State High’s football team has faced its share of tough opponents on its way to an 0-5 start.

The Firebirds (0-4 Sunflower League) might have their best chance to snap their season-long drought at 7 tonight when the they play host to Olathe Northwest (1-4, 1-3) at Memorial Stadium.

Of course, FSHS coach Bob Lisher doesn’t wasn’t his team taking anything for granted.

“We’ve talked to our kids all week,” Lisher said. “Olathe Northwest is a team that has had its share of problems — like us — with penalties and turnovers, but when they eliminate those problems, they’re a good football team.”

Like last week, when ONW trounced Shawnee Mission Northwest, 28-9.

“They turned the ball over quite a bit early and had penalties,” Lisher said of ONW, which was outscored 127-37 in its first four games. “Last week they didn’t have turnovers, penalties and executed in all phases of the game. We haven’t done that yet.”

Free State’s biggest problem has been offense. The Firebirds have yet to score more than 14 points in a game.

“We have to finish drives,” Lisher said. “We’ve been able to move the ball, but we have turnovers, penalties and blown assignments. The defense has played well enough to stay in games, but we’re not getting much help offensively. We have to score some points.”

This might be the week to do it. ONW ranks last in the Sunflower League in rushing defense (246.6 yards per game) and total defense (358.0).

FSHS sophomore Brian Murphy ranks among the league leaders in rushing with 450 yards and five touchdowns. He finished with 103 yards and two TDs Thursday in a 27-14 loss to Olathe South.

6Sports video: Free State looking for momentum

Olathe Northwest will counter with one of the league’s best passing offenses. Quarterback Vinny Gay ranks third in total offense with 571 passing yards and 231 rushing.

Free State’s defense ranks last in the league, allowing 32 points per game. Lisher would like to see his offense take some heat off that unit by sustaining some drives of its own.

He said the Firebirds have maintained a good work ethic and attitude, despite the five-game slide.

“They’re a good group of kids,” he said. “They understand they’ve shot themselves in the foot enough for two football seasons, and we’re only halfway through this one. Once we get consistent, I think we can compete with anybody.”

The Firebirds open district play at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 with a home game against Topeka High.