It’s finally here.

The crisp fall air has arrived. The schedules have reached the point where the games are meaningful. And Lawrence High and Free State are set to square off Friday night at Haskell Stadium.

I realize not everyone loves high school football the way I do, but I’ll pose the question anyway: Does it get any better than this?

Friday’s game pits two teams against each other that have traveled vastly different paths to get there.

Free State enters at 5-2, having lost two games they were in until late in the second half. LHS enters the game at 3-4, with all four losses being blowouts.

As with any good rivalry, records don’t mean much. The only thing that matters is both teams are 1-0 in district and the winner of Friday’s game gets a huge leg up on advancing to the Class 6A state playoffs.

Here’s one man’s opinion of what’s on tap for Friday night.

Offense: Looking at numbers alone, Free State appears to have a huge advantage in this category. The Firebirds average 35 points per game and are near the top of the Sunflower League in total offense. But the numbers might be misleading. LHS has had its full offensive attack in just a handful of games, starting second- and third-stringers at key positions throughout the season. The early indication is that the Lions will have their full complement of running backs – Tyler Hunt, Clifton Sims and Jake Green – as well as quarterback Clint Pinnick for Friday’s game. That should help, but Free State’s one-two punch of Craig Rosenstengle and Chucky Hunter, as well as a few more emerging weapons, gives the Firebirds the edge here.

Defense: In order to assess the defensive match-up, the game needs to be broken down into two different areas – the front seven and the secondary. Free State’s front seven has been solid all season, stuffing the run and putting ridiculous amounts of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Look for the Firebirds to make that a focal point Friday night. Their secondary, however, has been topsy-turvy at times and is vulnerable to the big play. On the opposing sideline, LHS is small up front and has a tendency to give up big nights to opposing running backs. But the LHS secondary is smart and solid, and although Free State has the edge in size, the Lions’ fight will keep them in the contest. This one’s a wash.

Special Teams: In games of this nature, little things often make the difference. Special teams is a prime candidate to do just that Friday night. Free State seems to have the advantage in all areas other than the kicking game. Hunter is as dangerous as a return man as he is a running back – maybe even moreso. And the Firebirds’ kickoff and punt teams typically do a pretty good job of bottling up their opponents. LHS has struggled with its kick coverages this season, prompting the coaching staff to limit the opponents’ chances by kicking high and short. Kickers Rex Hargis and Brian Sims both are steady but unspectacular. Give Free State a slight edge here.

Coaching: Both preach toughness and discipline. And I’m counting on both for future access and quotes. No way I pick one over the other here. Of course, even if I wasn’t protecting a beat, the fact that these two know each other so well makes this category a wash, as well.

Prediction: Free State 35, Lawrence High 20.