For the third straight year, Free State High’s football team will open the season against Shawnee Mission West.

Both of the previous games between the two schools were decided by a touchdown, but the Firebirds are excited to face strong competition when they begin the season at 7 p.m. at FSHS.

The Vikings (ranked No. 5 in Class 6A by Kpreps.com) return about 15 starters from last season, one of the most experienced rosters in the Sunflower League.

“Our guys are ready to play as I’m sure Shawnee Mission West and everyone else is ready to play,” Free State coach Bob Lisher said. “We need a test to see where we’re at. Obviously this is a big-time test.”

With some injuries that forced multiple players into varsity roles last year, the Firebirds return a lot of experience, especially on defense with seniors Noah Kema, Jay Dineen, Zack Sanders, Zion Bowlin, Daniel Bryant, Sam Hambleton and Drew Wise.

“It should be a challenge on both sides offensively to move the ball,” Lisher said. Free State lost to SM West last season, 34-26.

The Firebirds said this week of practice provided a different atmosphere than when they were preparing for their intra-squad scrimmage, so they have confidence heading into their first game.

“A lot of the scrimmages and stuff, it’s hard to really get into game mode,” Kema said. “You go 100 percent, but whenever you go into game mode, it’s 110 percent. I think we’ve done a good job this week of getting the best looks we can on offense, when we’re defense and vice-versa with scout teams and everything.”

Senior left tackle Chase Houk added: “I’d say we’re pretty prepared, just coming back from this week and seeing how we’ve been practicing. It’s been pretty solid in my opinion.”

After starting last season with an 0-3 record, the Firebirds know the importance of their early schedule. But for the seniors, they just want to make sure they are making the most of their final prep season.

“Even though I only moved here last year, these (guys) feel like my brothers and people I’ve grown up with,” Kema said. “It’s definitely sentimental, but it’s going to be a fun year and I think we’re ready for it.”

FSHS probable starters

Offense

LT — Chase Houk, sr.

LG — Jay Dineen, sr.

C — Nathan Spain, jr.

RG — Nico Guier, sr.

RT — Spencer Roe, jr.

QB — Dallas Crittenden, sr.

RB — Zion Bowlin, sr.

H — Zack Sanders, sr.

WR — Daniel Bryant, jr.

WR — Bo Miller, jr.

TE — Noah Kema, sr.

K — Kameron Lake, so.

P — Jake Rittman, jr.

Defense

DT — Noah Kema, sr.

NT — Sam Hambleton, sr.

DT — Nick Eddis, sr.

ROLB — Gage Foster, jr.

ILB — Jay Dineen, sr.

ILB — David Johnson, jr.

LOLB — Drew Wise, sr.

CB — Zack Sanders, sr.

CB — Daniel Bryant, sr.

FS — Bo Miller, jr.

SS — Zion Bowlin, sr.