Free State quarterback Bryce Torneden looks to stiff arm defensive back Zion Bowlin (27) during a scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015 at Free State High School. At left is FSHS offensive lineman Tanner Liba.

At this point in his prep career, Free State High senior quarterback Bryce Torneden is accustomed to making highlight plays through improvisation. If a blitz comes from either edge or a defensive lineman breaks through into the backfield, the 5-foot-10 Torneden’s quick feet and energetic legs make him an always-moving target.

The shrewd quarterback’s ability to escape confounded the Firebirds’ second-string defenders Saturday at Free State’s first preseason scrimmage. But watching Torneden’s touchdown-making wizardry doesn’t always please FSHS coach Bob Lisher, who thought by the end of the open practice broken plays became his team’s best offense.

“Instead of execution, we were just making plays because we had athletes,” Lisher said, adding that won’t work in the Sunflower League this fall.

Torneden opened the scrimmage by taking off for a 60-yard touchdown run after scrambling away from would-be tacklers behind the line of scrimmage. The returning starting QB side-stepped and spun away from defenders almost every time he had the ball in his hands. When the pocket collapsed, it really didn’t matter, because such scenarios allowed him to sprint down the field for huge chunks of yardage.

On one play, Torneden whirled away from a sack and took off for a 20-yard touchdown. But quarterbacks coach Adam Barmann let him know immediately afterward he failed to see an open receiver.

“I just need to stay in the pocket more,” Torneden said. “That’ll come with more experience through my senior year.”

It also came on the very next snap at the scrimmage. Torneden again looked un-sackable and hit senior receiver Logan McKinney for a 60-yard TD (the offense opened almost every series at its own 40-yard line). Next, Torneden lofted a pass out in front of speedy junior receiver Zack Sanders for a 60-yard score.

Lisher said breakdowns on the offensive line led to much of the ad-libbed monster gains, but such miscues are typical for this time of year — “especially when you’re inexperienced that’s gonna happen a little bit more,” the coach added.

That showed even as Free State’s first-string offense started hot, with senior running back Sam Skwarlo also doing his best Houdini impression in the backfield, before escaping for a 27-yard rushing touchdown — his first of two long scores on limited carries.

Free State’s first-string defense had a strong showing, too, often swarming to the ball. Skwarlo, senior Paul Bittinger, junior Noah Kema, Torneden, senior Jalen Galloway and junior Zion Bowlin showed up in the backfield for tackles at various points, and junior Jay Dineen and McKinney came away with an interception apiece.

Torneden, though, left the scrimmage focused on improving Free State’s offense.

“We don’t want to make our living off of busted plays,” the senior said. “We’ve just gotta keep working on that. But I’m glad if a play breaks down we’re not shutting down. We still have a chance.”