Firebirds excited by Lancers’ test

Free State High football players can recite Shawnee Mission East’s accomplishments from the past two seasons with ease. A 17-game winning streak. The defending Class 6A state champions. The top-ranked team in the state this season.

The Firebirds know they have a tough task ahead when they face the Lancers at 7 p.m. today at SM North District Stadium, but they are up for the challenge.

Free State was the last team to beat the Lancers in the regular season, winning 17-10 in overtime on Oct. 11, 2013.

“We’re pretty excited,” junior receiver and cornerback Zack Sanders said. “I mean, they’re the No. 1 team in the state, and I think we have the potential to beat them. You have to have your head high coming into this game, thinking that you’re going to win.”

The Firebirds (1-3) have some extra confidence after earning their first win of the season last week in a 43-7 rout at Leavenworth. The FSHS defense only allowed 131 total yards and five first downs.

Tonight’s game has special meaning for junior linebacker Jay Dineen, who left last year’s game against the Lancers on crutches after suffering a leg injury.

“They’re on a 17-game win streak, and to be the team to ruin that would be real nice,” Dineen said. “I think we do have a chance. They’re high schoolers just like us. We do have a good team, and a lot of people don’t know that because of our record, but I think we’re a lot better than a lot of people think.”

The Lancers (4-0) are tough to stop with their flexbone, no-huddle offense featuring five linemen, three running backs and dual-threat quarterback, Luke Kaiser. SM East running backs Wyatt Edmisten, Jack Tyler and Karl Young have helped the Lancers score more than 40 points in each game this year.

“We haven’t faced an offense that runs this scheme and runs it this well,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “It’s hard to replicate that in practice. So our guys are going to have to do a great job in film study.”

Despite the challenges, the Firebirds are excited to see how they stack up against the best.

“That’s why you play this game. You’re going to have challenges and we won’t have one during the regular season as big as this one,” Lisher said. “Our kids understand the challenge. We’ve been playing better. Will we play good enough to get them? We’ll find out.”

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 — Drew Tochtrop, sr.

Defense

DT — Sam Hambleton, jr.

NG — Darian Lewis, sr.

DT — Jalen Galloway, sr.

OLB — Drew Wise, jr.

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.