An old-school coach who has his rules and believes in sticking to them with his Free State High soccer teams, Jason Pendleton usually doesn’t keep more than eight seniors on his boys soccer team. In part because there was little normal about the dedication of this senior class, Pendleton kept 11.

Sound decision. The Firebirds (15-4) are one of four teams vying this weekend for the Class 6A state title.

A look at the 11 seniors who have helped to get them there.

Daniel Chance: A four-year starter, he “never played like anything but a senior,” according to his coach, who called Chance the most decorated player in school history.

Jesse Clayton: A clutch goal-scorer, Clayton, “doesn’t have a mean bone in his body,” Pendleton said. “With his fantastic personality and kind nature he deserves to have success.”

Jake Frydman: “His heart is bigger than the state of Kansas,” Pendleton said. “He has devoted himself to being the best player he can possibly be and that spirit has permeated itself throughout the team.”

Kendall Gooden: Sharp-witted and often the object of the coach’s attention — teammates love that about him because it gives them a break — Gooden is playing the best soccer of his life at the right time.

Alan Hornbaker: A role player as a sophomore and junior, Hornbaker has, according to Pendleton, “emerged as an absolute stud. He’s been our anchor in the back line and is playing at as high a level as any defender in the state.”

Reese Jones: A skilled member of the debate team, Jones knows there is no arguing soccer is a team sport. “He has bought into the need to sacrifice individual glory for the benefit of the team,” his coach said. “He has excelled when he’s gotten the opportunity and has been crucial to the success we’ve had.”

Jackson McClure: Proof that hard work pays off, the goalie played what his coach called, “the best game of his life,” in the quarterfinals against Blue Valley West. “Several big-time saves.”

Neil Newsome: Brings more than just a keen sense of humor. He also brings a serious work ethic that brought about serious improvement in his game.

Sam Passig: Every team needs a glue guy and Passig is this team’s. “He gets everybody to show up in the summer to do the things we need to do,” Pendleton said. “He has been absolutely pivotal to the success of this team.”

Tyler Smith: An accomplished gymnast, Smith’s remarkable flip-throw has led to six goals. “He has tremendous agility and athleticism,” Pendleton said. “If we’re going to make noise this weekend, he’s going to be critical to our success.”

Wesley Tedlock: If he hadn’t worked so hard in the summer to earn himself a spot on the team, the Firebirds would have been denied his speed and fun-loving personality.

Pendleton’s style isn’t for everyone. He’s a disciplinarian. This team has responded.

“We’re fortunate they come from good families that have high expectations for them to begin with,” Pendleton said. “The expectations we have for them in soccer are not much different than the expectations their moms and dads place on them as human beings.”

This is no whine-and-stew crew. This is a tough team.