When Free State High football players discuss Topeka High’s offense, they all mention it’s going to be a “challenge” to stop it.

Free State’s defense has matched up against a few top offenses this year, but the Firebirds will face their biggest test yet at 7 tonight at FSHS.

The Trojans (8-0, 2-0 in districts, ranked No. 5 by Kpreps.com) have scored at least 30 points in each game, with an offensive line that averages more than 280 pounds, led by 6-foot-6, 305-pound offensive tackle Teven Jenkins, an Oklahoma State commit.

“They probably have more speed than any team we faced this year, and they have more size,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “That’s saying a lot, because we’ve been against some speed and some size. They’re scoring at will.”

The Firebirds (5-3, 2-0) have plenty at stake in their final district game, despite clinching a spot in the state playoffs with victories in their first two district games. With a win, the Firebirds would win a district title and earn a home game in the first round of the playoffs. A loss would put Free State on the road for the first round.

“Looking forward to it a lot, actually,” senior lineman Jalen Galloway said. “They’re always supposed to be a very good team, and we’re expecting that. We love the challenge.”

For the second straight week, the Firebirds will face a dual-threat quarterback. Corey Thomas has rushed for 889 yards and tossed for 882. The Trojans also have Mike McCoy, who is averaging more than 11 yards per carry, and Saylor Caraway in the backfield.

“This guy is a little bit faster,” Lisher said of Thomas. “He’s got a few more weapons around him. It’s a little tougher to defend him per se because of that. Our guys are just going to have to step up and be in the right spot at the right time to make plays. That’s sometimes difficult. We might have five guys there, and those guys are fast enough to make some people miss, which they’ve shown on film.”

Last year, the Firebirds won against Topeka in a shootout, 53-37. The Firebirds hope their defense can put together a better performance, and the offense can help with long drives down the field to take time off of the clock.

“It’s going to show what we’re really made of on the defensive side,” FSHS junior linebacker Jay Dineen said. “They’re going to be one of the best offenses in the west and probably one of the best offenses in Kansas. Going against this is great for our defense to see how we stack up.”

The Firebirds are looking for their fourth straight district championship and the perfect way to cap off their Senior Night.

“It’d be really nice because we started off the season not how we would have wanted to,” senior Logan McKinney said. “It’s important to us.”

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 — 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.