Firebirds’ defense faces another threat

Free State junior Noah Kema (8) raises his hands in the air in celebration as he and his teammates walk off the field following their 52-34 victory over Wichita Northwest Friday night in Wichita.

In each of the past four games, Free State High’s football team has played against a dual-threat quarterback. But none of those quarterbacks are as dynamic as Derby senior Brady Rust.

The Firebirds pride themselves on their defense. Last week was the first time they’ve allowed more than two touchdowns in a game in more than a month. But the Firebirds know they’ll be tested unlike any previous game when they travel to Derby at 7 p.m. today in the Class 6A state semifinals.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Rust has elite speed and a strong arm. He leads the Panthers (10-1) with 1,700 rushing yards this season, along with 1,341 passing yards. In a win over Junction City last week, Rust ran for 292 yards and three touchdowns.

“He may be the fastest quarterback that we’ve faced,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “We’ve faced some really good quarterbacks that can run. This guy can supposedly run around a 4.5 40-(yard dash). He’s pretty fast. The thing we have to do is do a great job of not letting him use that speed and kind of keep him corralled.”

Rust leads the charge of a potent run game, with running backs Kristian Breedlove and Brody Kooser. Derby has scored at least 40 points in all but one game this season, averaging a state-best 49 points per contest.

The Firebirds (8-3) held Wichita Northwest, the No. 2 scoring offense in 6A, scoreless for two quarters last week in a 52-34 quarterfinal victory. But Derby presents its own unique challenges for the FSHS defense.

“I don’t want to say we have trouble with running quarterbacks, but they’re definitely harder than quarterbacks who don’t run,” senior defensive tackle and tight end Darian Lewis said. “They are a pretty good offense. We just have to buckle down and play harder.”

No matter how tough it is to stop Derby’s offense, the Firebirds have confidence they can put plenty of points on the scoreboard with senior dual-threat quarterback Bryce Torneden and senior running back Sam Skwarlo.

But once again, Derby’s speed will make things harder for the Firebirds. Derby has reached the state semifinals six times in the last eight seasons.

“They are really fast,” senior offensive lineman Tanner Liba said of Derby’s defense. “They are not the biggest group. They have one guy that’s pretty big, their (defensive tackle). But they are fast, which I don’t want to say we struggled (against), but they are a bit harder to block.”‘

Lewis added: “We have a lot of confidence. We feel like our offense can score on anybody. We just have to come out and execute.”

The Firebirds advanced to the state semifinals last season, falling to Hutchinson, 42-14. Looking for their first state championship appearance since 2008, the Firebirds plan to use last year’s experience to their advantage.

“They know what it’s like,” Lisher said. “They are tired of not winning it, so they are going to do everything in their power to get this one. I know that. But I’m sure Derby is, too.”

FSHS probable starters

Offense

LT — Chase Houk, jr.

LG — Jay Dineen, jr.

C — Garrett Swisher, sr.

RG — Sam Hambleton, jr.

RT — Tanner Liba, sr.

QB — Bryce Torneden, sr.

RB — Sam Skwarlo, sr.

H — Zack Sanders, jr.

WR — Logan McKinney, sr.

WR — Daniel Bryant, jr.

TE — Darian Lewis, sr.

K — Kameron Lake, fr.

P — Jack Flynn, sr.

Defense

DT — Noah Kema, jr.

NG — Darian Lewis, sr.

DT — Jalen Galloway, sr.

OLB — Paul Bittinger, sr.

ILB — Jay Dineen, jr.

ILB — Sam Skwarlo, sr.

OLB — Drew Tochtrop, sr.

CB — Zack Sanders, jr.

CB — Logan McKinney, sr.

FS — Bryce Torneden, sr.

SS — Zion Bowlin, jr.