Tait: Time to raise the curtain

Every so often a sequel comes along that is so impressive, so mind-blowing, that it overshadows the original and keeps people debating for decades about which film was better.

This might not be one of those scenarios when it comes to high school football in Lawrence.

If last year was the local high school football scene on Broadway, this season is Free State and LHS at the tiny improv theater on 78th Street.

The Lions and Firebirds are both missing several marquee performers from last year’s squads. Many of them traded in their high school helmets for spots on college rosters. Replacing them won’t be easy.

But the show must go on. And go on it will.

A preseason coaches poll divulged that Olathe South is the favorite in the Sunflower League this season.

The Firebirds open with the Falcons tonight, and LHS plays O-South in Week 4.

Last year’s co-champs, Shawnee Mission West, finished second in the voting and received one first-place vote. Olathe East, which also tallied one first-place vote, was third.

The Firebirds, who joined SM West as unbeaten league champs last season, finished fourth, and the Lions were picked as the top team of the second tier in seventh place.

These coaches know as well as any, however, that preseason rankings don’t mean much.

“I see the league as balanced as I’ve seen it in 15 years,” SM West coach Tim Callaghan said. “I don’t see a clear-cut favorite. I think it’s as balanced as it gets.”

While most SFL teams know what to expect this season, the local schools take the field with a plenty of question marks.

Both LHS and Free State are relying on new quarterbacks in 2007. Both are counting on new playmakers to put points on the board. And both face tough competition throughout the season.

Despite the question marks and concerns, the Lions and Firebirds both will hang their hats on something that Lawrence always has been known for – defense.

LHS coach Dirk Wedd and Free State coach Bob Lisher both preach toughness, discipline and fundamentally sound football. In order for their teams to win more than five games apiece this season, they’re going to have to be flawless in all three areas.

The lights are on, the music is queued. It’s time to draw the curtain.

Break a leg, and make sure it’s not your own.