Now, here’s a doozy of a start to the season.

Free State High’s football team, still working out the kinks that come with youth, will have to fast forward its progress tonight when the Firebirds meet Shawnee Mission North.

Kickoff for the first-ever meeting between the two Sunflower League schools will be at 7 p.m. at SM North District Stadium and will be broadcast on KLWN 1320 AM.

The Firebirds likely will be facing the most prolific passing attack in the Sunflower League, and perhaps the state. SM North is led by 27 seniors, none more heralded than quarterback Mack Brown, who passed for 2,100 yards as a junior to earn All-Sunflower League honors. He’s the son of SM North coach Sam Brown.

As a senior, Mack Brown is the most sought-after college prospect in the Sunflower League, already earning offers from Colorado and Ball State, and heavy interest from several other major college programs.

Brown, who stands 6-foot-4, brings a strong arm and poise to the pocket. He’s likely to pass a lot because the Indians don’t have a proven running back.

“We have to have a lot of different coverages,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “If you go with one pass coverage against them, you won’t survive.”

Free State’s secondary will be tested right away. The four projected starters — sophomore Ryan Murphy and junior Nick Ayre at the cornerbacks, and junior Brett Lisher and senior Jon Green at safeties — have little to no varsity experience in the secondary. Lisher started at linebacker as a sophomore.

Needless to say, defensive preparation has focused on a passing attack that may get a bit overwhelming — but isn’t unconquerable. SM North was just 6-4 a year ago.

“They’ve got a 2,000-yard passer returning,” Lisher said. “I’m sure they have a lot of confidence in his abilities.”

Offensively, Free State is dealing with the same issues of youth, but a good week of workouts leading up to tonight’s season opener has Lisher feeling good — if the Firebirds stick to the mission.

“Whatever plays we run,” Lisher said, “our main focus is to block harder than the opponent taking us on.”

Free State does have experience on the offensive line. Philip Weinmaster returns at center, while Ryan Gore and Cameron Reschke also return to the left side after seeing significant varsity action a year ago.

Tonight’s game is the first of a string of three straight contests for the Firebirds against top-tier Sunflower League teams. Defending league champion Olathe East is next week, with SM Northwest the week after that. Combined, Free State’s first three opponents were 25-7 last year.

After three weeks of preseason grind, though, the Firebirds are ready to take the field and compete, no matter who the opponent is.

“The kids are tired of hitting each other,” coach Lisher said. “They want to hit somebody else.”