Familiar foes

Free State and Olathe South have played every year since Lawrence’s second high school opened in 1997, but this was the first meeting in the 6A playoffs. O-South leads the series, 8-4.

FSHS sub-varsity rules

Free State’s junior varsity handed the O-South JVs their only defeat, a 21-0 decision in the opener. The Falcons went on to win their next seven outings. Free State also won the sophomore game, 7-0.

Flachsbarth ties

Joel Flachsbarth, a 1986 Lawrence High grad, serves an unusual dual role at Olathe South. Flachsbarth works as both an assistant coach and as the school’s resource officer. Flachsbarth’s younger brother, Lance, is also in coaching and in law enforcement. Lance is a detective with the Lawrence Police Dept. who coaches a seventh-grade Little League team.

Gress stands out

Caleb Gress had a big night for Free State. He was credited with both sacks of O-South QB Mike Keese and he recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown.

Werts gets pick

Junior outside linebacker Mitch Werts had the Firebirds’ lone interception and it precipitated a touchdown drive that culminated in a one-yard run by older brother Ryder Werts, a senior.