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Photo by Richard Gwin

First-year starter Cameron Schmidt has been given the keys to a potentially explosive Free State offense.

Free State High football coach Bob Lisher did not hesitate when asked to pinpoint the one area that could make or break the Firebirds season.

"Linebacker," Lisher said. "We lost three - four if you count the outside backer - very good linebackers from last year and we need to find some guys to fill those roles."

Luckily for the Firebirds, many of the roles outside of the heart of the defense will be plugged by returning players.

At the top of the list is senior tailback Chucky Hunter, a three-year starter in the program who has seen his fair share of success during the past two seasons.

A year ago Hunter challenged for the Sunflower League rushing title but came up short. Hunter's 1,090 yards and 16 touchdowns came during his first year as the Firebirds' featured back, where he was supported by a potent offense around him.

This year, all eyes will be on Hunter.

"We have to find ways to spread out the defense so they don't gang up on Chucky," Lisher said. "It's a team thing. It has to happen everywhere else in order for us, and for Chucky, to be successful."

That, too, should not be a problem.

Although the Firebirds have a new quarterback in 2008, Lisher said 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior Cameron Schmidt is capable of running the offense. Part of the reason for his confidence comes from how Schmidt compares to recent Free State quarterbacks.

"He's a step slower than (2006 starter) Ryan (Murphy), a step faster than Rosie (2007 starter Craig Rosenstengle) and stronger than both of them," Lisher said. "Cameron Schmidt is a senior, he's been in the system two years now, it's not new to him."

Starting is new, but Schmidt received playing time at quarterback last season in relief of Rosenstengle and was on the field enough to get a taste of what Friday night football is all about.

"To step into this position, you have to have confidence with yourself and your teammates," Schmidt said. "The goal for us every year is to get to state and to be successful when we get there."

Schmidt said he looks to the examples set by those who led in the past when thinking about how to approach his senior season.

"The last two years we had good seniors who set good examples of how to work hard and play the game," Schmidt said. "We're just trying to follow their lead. We've been getting better every day. The intensity needs to stay high and we need to keep working hard, but I don't think that will be a problem."

Hard work is what the Firebirds expect to hang their helmets on this season. That starts up front with a strong and experienced offensive line. Returning starters on Lisher's offensive line include: seniors Matt Frantz (6-4, 250), Josh Hill (5-10, 220), Doug Bittinger (6-2, 225) and Grahm Saunders (6-4, 245) as well as junior Michael Lisher (6-2, 245). All five played a substantial role in opening holes for Hunter and Rosenstengle last season and together they figure to form a major strength for the Firebirds this season.

In addition to an experienced group of linemen, Free State welcomes back senior wideout Preston Randolph, who missed the second half of the 2007 season due to a broken leg, as well as junior wideout Camren Torneden and senior tailback Jack Caywood,

As for the question at linebacker, seniors Taylor Stuart and Mitch Werts will anchor the unit that lost Mike Santee, Ryder Werts, Caleb Gress and Zack Toelkes from 2007.

"Our guys have been in the trenches for a year now," Lisher said. "Each season is different and each team is different, but I think we have guys who are willing to put in the work and make the team better. I think we're definitely capable of getting to the next level."

The Sunflower League coaches expect Free State to challenge for the top spot. The Firebirds were picked to finish third in the annual preseason coaches' poll and received one first-place vote. Olathe East and Olathe North were picked first and second, respectively, with O-East receiving six first-place votes and O-North receiving four.

First-year Olathe South coach Jeff Gourley sat out of the voting because of his unfamiliarity with the league.