When the Free State High Firebirds take the field tonight at Haskell Stadium to open the 2007 high school football season, they’ll find themselves in a situation similar to the one they faced at the end of 2006.

This time, however, as the Firebirds prepare to take on the Sunflower League’s top-ranked team, a trip to the state championship game won’t be on the line.

In the final game of ’06, Free State fell to Shawnee Mission West, 31-14, ending the Firebirds’ dream season. Tonight, Free State will welcome preseason Sunflower League favorite Olathe South to town for a clash that will force the new players in the Firebirds’ lineup to grow up in a hurry.

“All of the things we did well as a program last year, we need to be able to do again this year,” Free State coach Bob Lisher said. “Finding our identity is going to be the biggest thing. Hopefully, that will happen by the end of the first quarter.”

The season opener pits two teams sitting in vastly different situations against one another. Free State lost all but seven starters from the 11-1 team of 2006. Three of its returning starters – quarterback Craig Rosenstengle, tailback Chucky Hunter and offensive lineman Scott Williams – played different positions last season.

While the Firebirds return just seven starters total, the Falcons return that many on offense alone. Eight more return on defense, making Olathe South one of the most experienced teams in the league.

However, Lisher said opening the season against a team with experience has its advantages.

“We have a better understanding of them than they have of us in terms of personnel,” said Lisher, noting his team had seen plenty of film on Olathe South.

Adding to the subplots surrounding tonight’s game is the fact that the contest will be the Firebirds’ first attempt at defending last year’s league title.

Lisher and his crew see having the proverbial targets on their backs as another advantage.

“I like it,” Lisher said. “It means your program has been established. And, as the saying goes, ‘A scared rabbit runs a little faster.’ Hopefully our guys will take that on their shoulders and come out ready to play.”

This year’s group has been ready to play since last season ended. Despite losing several all-Sunflower League selections on both sides of the ball, the players are confident and eager to show what they can do.

Although the challenge of opening against the league favorites is a great one, Lisher said it didn’t add much weight to the game for him.

The players, however, see things a little differently.

“It’s got me hyped up,” senior Jason Sneegas said. “We could really make a statement if we come out strong in this one.”