It’s the same script, but Free State High football players are hoping to write a different ending.

For the second straight season, the Firebirds will travel to top-seeded Derby for the Class 6A state semifinals at 7 tonight. It’s the third consecutive season the Firebirds have advanced to the semifinals.

Last year, the Firebirds suffered a season-ending 35-14 loss and they never forgot how painful it was.

“Still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth,” senior linebacker Jay Dineen said.

Statistically, it will be a matchup between the top two scoring defenses in the state. The defending state champion Panthers (11-0) have allowed 11.3 points per game. Sixth-seeded Free State (9-2), which on an eight-game winning streak, is right behind at 13.5 points per game.

“In some regards, they are like us,” Free State coach Bob Lisher said. “They are a pressure defense and they pressure a lot — so do we. Something has to give.”

Derby coach Brandon Clark told the Derby Informer that Free State’s linebackers are “probably the most aggressive unit I’ve seen this year.” The Firebirds feature Kansas commit Dineen, junior David Johnson and sophomore Jax Dineen at inside linebacker with senior Drew Wise and junior Gage Foster starting on the outside.

Those linebackers usually can roam free because their defensive linemen occupy blockers. Along with senior starters Noah Kema and Nick Eddis, juniors Nathan Spain and Adam Tapp have filled in with plenty of success.

“We just set really high expectations for ourselves,” Tapp said. “When everyone does their job, we do great.”

Plus, all of the defensive linemen bring different attributes to their play. Eddis has a knack for fighting offensive tackles, allowing linebackers to avoid big blockers. Then Kema is better at filling into gaps and making stops in the backfield.

During their three playoff games, the Firebirds have allowed 213 rushing yards on 105 attempts (2.03 yards per carry).

But with Derby looming on the schedule, the Firebirds aren’t satisfied with their accomplishments. Players and coaches admitted there is a different intensity in practice.

“I think Derby has their attention,” Lisher said.

In the last five games, Derby has outscored its opponents, 276-42. The Panthers, on a 21-game winning streak, haven’t won a game by less than 25 points this season.

If that doesn’t illustrate Derby’s dominance, there’s always the video game-type numbers in the stat book. Quarterback Dan Dawdy has tossed for 2,208 yards with 30 touchdowns and only four interceptions in 11 games. He’s added 381 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Dawdy’s top target is Kenyon Tabor, a Kansas commit, who has recorded 962 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 50 catches. Receivers Kai Lemons, Michael Littleton and Lachlan Jones all have at least five touchdown receptions. Lisher said there’s “no doubt” that this is the best passing offense Free State has played this year.

Then there’s the ground game, led by junior Brody Kooser, who has 1,473 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s surpassed 100 yards in seven of the team’s 11 games.

But nobody ever said the road to the state championship game would be easy for the Firebirds.

“I’ve been so close sophomore year and junior year,” Jay Dineen said. “I just want to make a difference this year. I don’t want to get to stuck in the semifinals. I want to get past this round and win a state championship for the school.”

FSHS probable starters

Offense

LT — Chase Houk, sr.

LG — Jay Dineen, sr.

C — Nathan Spain, jr.

RG — Reese Todd, sr.

RT — Spencer Roe, jr.

QB — Dallas Crittenden, sr.

RB — Zion Bowlin, sr.

WR — Zack Sanders, sr.

WR — Daniel Bryant, sr.

WR — Bo Miller, jr.

TE — Noah Kema, sr.

K — Kameron Lake, so.

P — Jake Rittman, jr.

Defense

DT — Noah Kema, sr.

NT — Nathan Spain, jr.

DT — Nick Eddis, sr.

ROLB — Gage Foster, jr.

ILB — Jay Dineen, sr.

ILB — David Johnson, jr.

LOLB — Drew Wise, sr.

CB — Gabe del Valle, jr.

CB — Daniel Bryant, sr.

FS — Zack Sanders, sr.

SS — Zion Bowlin, sr.