When Free State has the ball

Free State rush offense

vs. Junction City rush defense

By this point, Free State’s offensive line has proven that it can get the job done against anybody. The Firebirds don’t have the biggest O-Line in the state, but they do have great chemistry and are playing as well as any unit in Kansas right now. They also have a pair of 1,000-yard rushers charging behind them. Expect more of the same from the Firebirds, as coach Bob Lisher and crew will put Chucky Hunter and Camren Torneden in a position to run wild.

Edge: Free State.

Free State pass offense

vs. Junction City pass defense

Free State’s passing game has lost some of its luster in recent weeks, but that has been by choice more than anything else. The Firebirds simply haven’t had to pass much during their magical playoff run, and because of that the numbers have dropped. Despite the trend, Torneden remains a capable QB who can complete passes when asked to. The way the FSHS running game is going right now, that’s as much a factor in the passing offense as anything, as teams simply don’t know when to expect the Firebirds to air it out.

Edge: Free State.

When Junction City has the ball

Junction City rush offense

vs. Free State rush defense

The first thing Lisher said about the Blue Jays this week was that they have more than one weapon on offense, and that’s what makes them scary. Most of those multiple weapons are ground-based, where Junction City has three players capable of rushing for more than 100 yards. Quarterback Ty Zimmerman is a dangerous runner in the same mold as Torneden, but with a bigger frame. And tailback Jimmie King, although not as elusive, is similar to Hunter and Olathe North’s James Franklin. The Firebirds will have their work cut out for them in this matchup, as JC simply has too many options to expect the Firebirds to shut down the run completely.

Edge: Junction City.

Junction City pass offense

vs. Free State pass defense

Because Zimmerman is such a threat to tuck the ball and run, don’t expect the Firebirds to bring as much pressure as they did last week against Blue Valley. Instead, expect Free State to try to generate a rush with its down linemen, while relying on the linebackers and defensive backs to patrol the secondary. The way Free State’s corners have covered in the past few weeks, it’s hard to imagine Junction City connecting on too many big passing plays. Add to the Firebirds’ solid play the confidence that came after shutting down Blue Valley, and you’re looking at a group that should remain stingy against the pass.

Edge: Free State.

Special Teams

The Firebirds failed to make much of a splash in the return game last week, leaving them due for a big play in that department this week. The Blue Jays have plenty of weapons in the return game, as well. Neither team has an overwhelming advantage in this department, especially considering that both have steady place kickers and punters in Gabe Ballard-Hansen and Kirk Resseguie (Free State) and Andy Birchmeier and Zimmerman (Junction City). The one area that might factor into the outcome of today’s game is kickoffs.

Edge: Push.