Place-kicking has been a recurring problem for Free State High’s football team, but not for Lawrence High.

Free State coach Bob Lisher has used four different kickers in an attempt to find consistency, but the Firebirds have converted only half their conversion kicks in the last two games.

Meanwhile, Abby Vestal has developed into Miss Dependability for the Lions.

Vestal, a senior who plays on the Lions’ girls soccer team in the spring, has made 20 of 22 extra-point attempts. One of the two was blocked. Vestal also has a pair of field goals – one from 22 yards and the other from 20.

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A good sign: Meanwhile, punting hardly has been a problem for the Firebirds, mainly because they hardly ever have to punt. In the last five games, Caleb Stephens has punted only six times. Stephens, a senior who also is a reserve lineman, is a nephew, incidentally, of coach Bob Lisher.

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Winning combination: Free State junior wide receiver Craig Rosenstengle has five touchdown receptions from quarterback Ryan Murphy this season. In Friday’s 62-27 victory over Topeka High, turnabout was fair play. Rosenstengle, who is also the Firebirds’ No. 2 quarterback, tossed an 18-yard TD pass to Murphy on a gadget play late in the first quarter.

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On the stat sheet: Sophomore Clint Pinnick, heir apparent to senior Chance Riley as Lawrence High’s quarterback, tossed a 23-yard pass to tight end Nick DeBiasse late in the Lions’ 31-7 victory at Washburn Rural for his first career completion.

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Potent ‘O’: Free State is averaging 44.4 points per game, good for second behind Class 4A Eudora (45.6 ppg) among all city and area teams. Free State has topped 60 points three times and has been held below 30 just once – during its 20-14 victory against Shawnee Mission North in Week 3.

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Curious statistic: Lawrence High defenders have intercepted six passes, but the Lions have recovered just one opponent fumble. At the same time, Lawrence has lost six fumbles and thrown four interceptions for a minus-3 in the turnover margin category.

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Irony of the Week: Free State sophomore running back Jack Caywood scored on a 55-yard TD run against Topeka High. Caywood’s father, Kurt, is sports editor of the Topeka Capital-Journal.

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Buy now: Advance tickets for Friday’s intracity football showdown will be available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Thursday at the Lawrence High finance office.