Free State defensive lineman Nathan Spain(52) puts pressure on Shawnee Mission South quarterback Jack Roberts (8) during the Firebirds game against Shawnee Mission South Friday evening at FSHS.

When Free State’s defense is playing at its best, players are usually quick to credit senior nose tackle Nathan Spain.

In the middle of the football team’s defensive scheme, Spain has a lot of responsibilities. At times, he’s used to keep offensive linemen away from linebackers. Sometimes he plays like a linebacker.

“He’s kind of the anchor in there,” Free State coach Bob Lisher said.

Spain started at nose tackle last season and his teammates have pointed to his consistency, along with fellow defensive linemen, as one of the biggest reasons for their success.

When the Firebirds play host to Olathe East (3-3) at 7 tonight at FSHS, facing an option offense, he will have a big role in stopping the run game.

Along with his duties in making stops, the Firebirds turn to Spain for leadership on the field. He’s constantly talking to make sure his teammates are in the right position. Away from the gridiron, he can be spotted in the front of the student section at other sporting events, leading chants.

“We’ve actually been going to school together since kindergarten,” FSHS senior linebacker David Johnson said. “We’ve grown up together. He used to be more reserved, but he’s kind of came out of his shell.”

Spain played on both sides of the ball last season, starting at center on offense. He’s thrilled to see the success from junior Ben Holiday at his old position, giving him more time to focus on defense.

The Firebirds (6-0, ranked No. 1 in Class 6A by Kpreps.com) have only given up 51 points, which includes three touchdowns against the team’s starting defense.

“We just have great team chemistry,” Spain said. “All of the seniors — we have a lot of seniors on the defensive side — we’re all really close and we just keep talking to each other.”

Lisher described Spain’s job on the defensive line as a “linebacker in a three-point stance.” In some games, he will draw double teams, and even triple teams, when opponents try to move the ball up the middle.

It’s not always easy to push back against a trio of blockers, but Spain says it comes with the territory.

“I don’t dislike it; it’s just a part of my job,” Spain said. “I love my job at nose.”

Lisher added: “He played really well last year. He’s got better this year. Hopefully he continues to get better.”

FSHS probable starters

Offense

LT — Turner Corcoran, so.

LG — Gabe Clark, sr.

C — Ben Holiday, jr.

RG — Shane Skwarlo, jr.

RT — Jalan Robinson, sr.

QB — Gage Foster, sr.

RB — Jax Dineen, jr.

H — L.J. Mack, jr.

WR — Colter Maldonado, so.

WR — Jake Rittman, sr.

TE — Jack Theisen, sr.

K — Kameron Lake, jr.

P — Jake Rittman, sr.

Defense

DT — Lovette Epelle, so.

NT — Nathan Spain, sr.

DT — Spencer Roe, sr.

OLB — Bo Miller, sr.

ILB — David Johnson, sr.

ILB — Jalen Nash, jr.

OLB — Gage Foster, sr.

CB — Kwinton Lassiter, sr.

CB — Gabe del Valle, sr.

S — Malik Berry, so.

S — Keenan Garber, jr.