Free State High football players are aware of their 0-3 record but are upbeat in practice and meeting rooms.

The Firebirds know they’ve faced a tough schedule, and they’ve had an opportunity to win each game they’ve played. Now they’re just ready to end their losing streak when they travel to Leavenworth at 7 tonight.

“We definitely played well last game,” senior lineman Tanner Liba said. “It’s just stuff (coach Bob) Lisher and the other coaches have been saying. I think that our mood is pretty good for the upcoming weeks. We definitely think that we can go 6-3 — undefeated for the rest of the season. We’re all pretty confident.”

The Firebirds (0-3) have lost by a total of 14 points in their first three games. Those opponents — Shawnee Mission West, Olathe North and Lawrence High — have combined for a 12-1 record this season.

It’s the first time since 2004 the Firebirds have lost their first three games of the season, but their strong play against LHS last week has given them confidence.

“We improved on defense a lot compared to the first two games,” senior linebacker and receiver Drew Tochtrop said. “They scored a few mistakes we made, but we really need to start winning. That’s our mind-set right now.”

Liba added: “After the LHS game, our heads were down. But after watching film and just these last couple of practices, our confidence was rebuilt.”

Leavenworth (0-3) features a strong run game with senior quarterback Drew Sachen and junior running back Wade Jackson. The two have combined for all five of their team’s touchdowns this season.

“They’ve had some tough luck like we have,” Lisher said of the Pioneers. “But they’ve got a great quarterback and great running back, two very good skill people in those two by themselves who we’re going to have to corral. That’s their bread and butter, those two running the football.”

Leavenworth won last year’s match-up, 35-21, for the first time in program history. The Firebirds won’t be taking their opponent lightly, but they are just focused on finding a way to win.

“In each game we’ve had an opportunity to win it, we just haven’t done it yet,” Lisher said. “We have to shore up a few things to give ourselves a chance to do that special teams-wise. We need to move the ball a little bit more offensively. Defensively (we’re) playing better, but we can always do more to keep ourselves in the game.

“Overall, we’ve made improvements each and every week, and that’s what we’re trying to do: get better and better.”

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 — Will Cook, so.

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 — Daniel Bryant, jr.