On a five-game winning streak, Free State High football players are thrilled with the progress of their defense.

Facing several unique offensive styles, the Firebirds have only allowed 38 points in their past five games. One of their biggest strengths is stopping rushing attacks and they know it’ll be needed when they play 11th-seeded Wichita South (4-4) in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs at 7 p.m. today at Free State.

“We’re going to expect a really tough run game,” senior defensive lineman Nick Eddis said. “We’ve watched some film. Their running back, he’s a hard-hitting running back. We’ve planned for it, we’ve prepared for it and practiced for it, so we’re ready.”

Fresh off a 56-7 victory in the City Showdown against Lawrence High, the sixth-seeded Firebirds (6-2) wanted to make sure they carry that momentum into the postseason.

Plus, they think it’s an easy transition from a rivalry game to a playoff game.

“Our attention has always been the same: the next game on our schedule is the most important game,” senior Drew Wise said. “So it’s really not that hard, it’s another game.”

Eddis added: “All the games are doing is getting more important. Rivalry games are important but when it comes to the playoffs, it’s do-or-die.”

The Titans have lost three of their past four games, but are averaging 32 points per game this season. They only ran for 27 rushing yards against Wichita Heights last week, but created 305 passing yards from quarterback Evan Kruse.

“If they don’t have a lot of success immediately, they are going to start throwing the ball and they can throw it all over the place — they’ve proven that,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “They can score a lot of points and it’s going to be a challenge for us defensively to adjust to what they’re doing.”

Sanders commits to Missouri State

Free State senior Zack Sanders made a non-binding oral commitment to play at Missouri State on Monday.

Sanders, who will play cornerback in college, made an official visit to the school two weeks ago and didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to play at the Div. I-FCS level. The Bears were the first team to offer Sanders a scholarship.

“I like the coaches a lot there,” Sanders said. “When I went on my visit two weekends ago, they treated me perfectly. There was no negative energy there and I love the facilities, those were really nice.”

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.