For the third time in a five-day span, Lawrence High and crosstown rival Free State High will square off in a head-to-head battle for city bragging rights.

The third installment of the city showdown in less than a week will come in the form of a soccer match at 3:30 p.m. today at FSHS. However, instead of just playing for pride, the Lions and Firebirds are battling for their playoff lives.

Second-seeded Free State enters the first-round regional contest with a record of 10-5-1. Seventh-seeded LHS comes in at 3-11-1.

The Lions and Firebirds locked horns earlier this season on Sept. 6 at Youth Sports, Inc. Free State prevailed, 2-0.

The winner of today’s contest advances to the regional final and will play the winner of the game between No. 3 Olathe Northwest (9-8-1) and No. 6 Leavenworth (5-9-1) on Thursday with a trip to the state playoffs on the line.