In hindsight, Free State High coach Bob Lisher actually might see something positive come out of an injury-riddled 2003 season.

Free State running back Dennis Patton, top left, is stopped by defenders Brian Murphy (20) and Ricky Lockner during the FSHS fall sports jamboree.

The Firebirds limped to the finish line of a 5-5 campaign, seeing linemen, tight ends, running backs and linebackers struggle with injuries. The good news is, the 2004 Firebirds will benefit, because many of them gained experience while filling in for the wounded.

“We lost a lot of kids last year that started both ways,” Lisher said. “A lot of these kids coming back didn’t necessarily start, but they played a great deal out of necessity.”

In terms of experience, Free State looks as strong on the defensive line as it does anywhere. All three projected starters — Philip Weinmaster, Ryan Gore and Cameron Reschke — had significant contributions on the varsity squad last year.

That’s good news for Lisher, who is adamant that pressuring the quarterback will be crucial to defensive success. Behind the line, only one player — linebacker Jamie Resseguie — has significant experience at his current position. The other top returner is Lisher’s son Brett, a junior who is moving from linebacker to safety to spread out Free State’s talent.

“It’s the best for the team,” Bob Lisher said of Brett’s move to the secondary. “He’s the last line of defense.”

Who will join Brett Lisher in the secondary is unsettled, but the coach has been impressed with Ryan and Brian Murphy, twin brothers who were playing as ninth graders at Southwest Junior High last season.

Free State running back Brian Murphy (20) tries to shake defender Nick Ayre during the Firebirds' fall sports jamboree.

The Murphys are among a number of sophomores who will gain varsity experience. Of the 67 Firebirds who reported, 39 are 10th graders.

“That’s the biggest sophomore class we’ve ever had,” Lisher said, “and there’s some good players in that class.”

But the 28 juniors and seniors are going to be the key. Offensively, the Firebirds have experience in the backfield, with Resseguie returning at tailback, Lisher at fullback and senior Nick Witmer at quarterback.

All three played several downs last year. Resseguie started about half the year, filling in for an often-injured Will Malcolm. As a junior, he rushed for 389 yards on 75 carries with five touchdowns.

And, despite losing decorated wide receiver Dain Dillingham to graduation, Lisher is confident that the Firebirds can continue to pass the ball with receivers like Lorenzo Ricketts and Nick Ayre available.

“I like to throw the football,” Lisher said, “but I’ll go with whatever’s working. I feel very comfortable with the receivers we have coming back. We don’t have a lot of experience, but we have some kids that have really looked good in practice.”

Front row, from left: Sean Kopriva, Demaris Patton, Chris Smith, Ebo Brown, Brandon Saucier, Joey Bread; second row, from left, Jimmy Bruce, Stephen Webb, Michael Martinez, Will Oliver, Ben Harvey, Bobby Burnham, Brian Murphy, Jamar Reese, Eddy Presswood; third row, from left, Christian Ballard, Mikel Ruder, Dean Beeson, Andrew Jones, Josh Fowler, Ryan Murphy, Caleb Stephens, Robert Rose, Michael Davison; fourth row, Dale Coons, Richard Flaig, Andy Petz, Shelton Heilman, Keron Toussaint, Andy Neighbors, Neal Smith, Kyle Weinmaster, Alex Barr, T.J. Martin; fifth row, Nick Witmer, Jamie Resseguie, PJ Karasek, Ben Bell, Collin Murphy, Onyema Anyanwu, Landon Swaggerty, Patrick Green, Cameron Reschke; sixth row, Philip Weinmaster, Chris Coffey, Ricky Lockner, Mike Vaughn, Lorenzo Ricketts, Nick Ayre, Brett Lisher, Skyler Asher, Matt Farley, Jon Green; seventh row, Ryan Gore, Dereck Cooper, Andrew Eicholtz, Jarvis Doleman, Corey Cooper, Danny Pike, Corey Galloway, Casey Ballard; back row from left, Zac Turner, Brittany O'Donnell, David Beck, Brett Romme, Brad Romme, Brett Oberzan, Bob Lisher, Chuck Mosley, Bill McGillivray, Adam Green, Matt Heider, Amanda Hill.

The offense could have decent support on the line, too. Weinmaster returns at center, while Gore returns after starting at offensive tackle.

All in all, the Firebirds’ success could depend on how quickly the sophs improve. Free State will start the season at Shawnee Mission North on Thursday. Then it will be Olathe East in Week Two and SM Northwest in Week Three. All three teams advanced to the state playoffs last year.

“We’ve got to make sure they learn how to come together as a group,” Lisher said. “They want to. Now they just have to learn how to.”