The Free State High football team will open postseason play this Friday in exactly the same place it began the season – at home against Olathe South.

The Firebirds’ 27-8 victory over Washburn Rural in Week 9 gave Free State its second straight district title and earned coach Bob Lisher’s team the No. 3 seed in the Class 6A state playoffs.

With that, the Firebirds (7-2) earned the right to entertain No. 6 seed Olathe South (6-3), which lost to Olathe North, 24-20, Friday night in Olathe.

The Falcons were the preseason favorite to win the Sunflower League but went on to lose three league contests after knocking off Free State, 34-27, in the season opener.

In that game, Free State junior tailback Chucky Hunter carried the ball 11 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns. He added a third TD on a 99-yard kickoff return.

Senior quarterback Craig Rosenstengle added 147 yards of total offense.

But Free State struggled to stop South’s passing game, as Falcons QB Mike Keese threw for 282 yards and 3 TDs.

Friday’s rematch is set to kick off at 7 p.m.