Defensive Minded

Although Lawrence High could muster very little offense against Free State in last Friday’s 27-0 football loss, the defense was magnificent. The Firebirds, for instance, opted not to punt six times on fourth down, and five times the Lions stuffed them. In addition, LHS held the Firebirds’ offense scoreless in the second half. The only FSHS touchdown after halftime came on an interception return by Craig Rosenstengle.

The Lions have surrendered just 13 second-half, offensive points to their opponents in the past five games.

The Pursuit of 1,000

Despite being held to a season-low 77 yards by Lawrence High, Free State tailback Chucky Hunter still has a good chance to reach the coveted 1,000-yard rushing plateau. Hunter has run for 917 yards, and the Firebirds are guaranteed two more games – Friday’s regular-season finale against Washburn Rural and a first-round Class 6A playoff contest.

Stingy Secondary

With three pass thefts against the Lions, Free State now has 15 interceptions, an average of nearly two a game. Jason Sneegas and Craig Rosenstengle lead the Firebirds with three picks apiece.

Defense Wins?

Free State has blanked three foes this season – Leavenworth, SM West and Lawrence – and that ties the school single-season record for whitewashes established by last year’s 11-1 team.

Different Directions

Tale of the Last Five Football Weeks: Free State is 4-1; Lawrence is 1-4.

They Scored How Many?

It’s been a rough season for the McLouth High football team, but the Bulldogs suffered perhaps the toughest blow of the season last Friday night in the form of a 90-14 loss to Silver Lake.

The Eagles scored 35 points in the first quarter to get things rolling and added 21 in the second, 14 in the third and another 20 in the fourth to set the final margin. Silver Lake racked up 553 yards of total offense, including 389 yards on the ground.

In case you’re thinking the 90 points is some sort of record, think again. It turns out Silver Lake wasn’t even close to Haven High School’s state record of 256 points in a single game back in 1927. The final in that game was an eye-popping 256-0.

School Spirit

Tuesday afternoon, while the Lawrence High and Free State High soccer teams were battling in the first round of the Class 6A regionals at FSHS, some unlikely spectators showed up to watch.

Midway through his team’s practice, Free State football coach Bob Lisher sent his players over to the soccer field to support the Firebirds’ run toward state.

Free State knocked off the Lions, 3-1, to advance to Thursday’s regional final.