The last time Free State High’s football team faced Junction City, it was the biggest game in program history — the 2008 Class 6A state championship.

The Firebirds led by one point early in the fourth quarter, but fell one drive short in a 19-14 loss. It was the best finish for the Firebirds in school history, and Friday will be the first time they’ve faced the Blue Jays since that painful game.

“That goes through my mind a lot actually, over the years,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said.

This time, they’ll play in the second round of the playoffs at 7 p.m. at Al Simpler Stadium. Of course, none of the players in the ’08 state title game are still playing for either of the high schools, but a few Free State players remember sitting in the stands and watching that game.

“I remember it was a really close game,” said junior quarterback and safety Bryce Torneden, who was watching his brother, Camren, lead the FSHS offense at quarterback. “It was just really intense, really hype, and really cold.”

Junior linebacker Paul Bittinger watched his brother, Doug, start at right guard, while senior left tackle Scott Frantz didn’t go to the game, though his brother, Matt, was starting at right tackle.

“I wasn’t really even much of a football fan and I knew it was super cold that game,” Scott Frantz said. “I just didn’t go. I don’t know why looking back at it.”

Similar to this season, the Firebirds started with a 3-3 record in ’08 before ripping off six straight wins. This year’s Free State team also could match the ’08 team’s big offensive line, but there are also plenty of differences between the old and current squads.

“Defensively, we had a lot of senior experience on that team and our defense was pretty salty,” Lisher said. “They kept us in some games and won some games late, too. …That team was just a little bit more experienced and a little older overall than this one.”

The chance for revenge in this year’s rematch isn’t lost on some of the older siblings, as Matt Frantz gave a message to his younger brother a few days ago.

“He said, ‘Finish it this time,'” Scott Frantz said.

Though it’s not the focus of their thoughts, the Firebirds would love to bring home a victory after their older brothers came so close.

“It’s in the back of my mind,” Bryce Torneden said. “That definitely would be great to do that for them.”