In the last two weeks, Free State High junior quarterback Bryce Torneden has rushed for 314 yards and four touchdowns. It’s no surprise the Firebirds have won both of those games.

Add in Free State’s gang of running backs, led by junior Khaury El-Amin and senior Joe Lane, and it’s a big piece of the winning formula.

The Firebirds are hoping Torneden and their running backs can keep up their momentum when they go on the road to face Manhattan in the second week of districts at 7 tonight.

Finishing drives and putting points on the scoreboard was a problem for the Firebirds at points this season, but after scoring 42 points last week, it seems like a worry in the rear-view mirror.

“It’s definitely a main focus now,” Torneden said. “It’s kind of pointless when you drive the field, go all the way down, and you don’t score. So that’s what we need to do, and we’ve been working on that a lot, and I’m glad we’ve made that change.”

The Indians (6-1) have a strong defense and were strong in limiting opposing teams’ run games before last week’s 52-41 loss to Topeka High. The Firebirds (4-3) are hopeful they’ll have success establishing themselves on the ground.

“We want to run the football,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “That’s what we do, and that’s what we’ve always done, and we’re going to continue to do it. But we also need to be able to throw the ball at times, which has helped us a little bit in the running game by loosening things up a little bit.”

With wins in the last two weeks, the Firebirds are feeling more confident about facing teams they aren’t familiar with.

“I’ve noticed we’ve been going a lot harder,” Torneden said. “Games are getting more crucial. We’ve been practicing a lot more intensely.”

With Manhattan likely in a must-win game to make the playoffs, the Firebirds are expecting a tough game, but they also feel prepared to play against another team at the top of the standings.

“All the teams like Olathe North and Shawnee Mission East have prepared us for the postseason,” senior cornerback and receiver Joel Spain said. “At least we like to think that. You have to play the best to be the best.”

FSHS probable starters

Offense

LT — Scott Frantz, sr.

LG — Shane Hofer, sr.

C — Coleman Houk, sr.

RG — Josiah LeBrun, sr.

RT — Tanner Liba, jr.

QB — Bryce Torneden, jr.

RB — Khaury El-Amin, jr.

H — Joel Spain, sr.

WR — Tye Carter, sr.

WR — Andrew Keating, sr.

TE — Blake Murray, sr.

K — Joel Spain, sr.

P — Tye Carter, sr.

Defense

DE — Blake Murray, sr.

NG — Michael Georgie, sr.

DE — Shane Hofer, sr.

OLB — Drew Tochtrop, jr.

MLB — Jay Dineen, so.

LB — Paul Bittinger, jr.

LB — Zion Bowlin, so.

OLB — Carson Bowen, sr.

CB — Andrew Keating, sr.

CB — Joel Spain, sr.

FS — Bryce Torneden jr.