Free State High’s football team will enter its fourth game of the season in a new role: ranked No. 1 in the state.

The Firebirds moved up in the polls after their 21-16 victory over Park Hill (Mo.), but coach Bob Lisher didn’t think it was difficult for the team to move onto their preparations for Shawnee Mission Northwest (1-2). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 tonight at FSHS, the Firebirds’ third straight home game.

“We’ve set some goals for this week, some pretty lofty goals and the kids are going to have to play very well to get those goals,” Lisher said. “They want to get those goals because it helps them get out of a few (100-yard runs) here and there on Monday.”

Through the first three weeks, the Firebirds (3-0) have seen improvements from their big offensive line. They’ve averaged more than 345 yards of offense per game.

At offensive tackle, Free State has Turner Corcoran, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound sophomore, and senior Jalan Robinson, who is listed at 6-5, 290 pounds. Both of them were on the basketball team last year and it shows with their footwork.

Corcoran spent last year at tight end, but grew up playing offensive tackle and said it hasn’t been a difficult adjustment.

“It’s pretty much the same thing (as tight end), I’m just not running out for passes,” Corcoran said.

Robinson played a little bit at the end of last season at the varsity level, but has worked his way into a full-time starting role on offense.

In the interior offensive line, the Firebirds feature senior Gabe Clark, junior Ben Holiday and junior Shane Skwarlo. All of them are listed above 6-feet, including the 6-5 Clark. Nathan Spain and Spencer Roe have rotated in the starting lineup during the first few weeks.

“We’ve been all right. We still feel like we can get better,” Robinson said. “We’re improving so far.”

With a strong rushing attack led by Jax Dineen, a powerful runner, Free State’s offensive linemen said it’s a big advantage when they have a chance to block linebackers. Any time they can help Dineen, or the Firebirds’ other running backs, match up against defensive backs in open space, they like their chances of producing a big play.

“It helps if we ever make a mistake or miss a block, then he’s there to run them over anyway,” Robinson said of Dineen.

As Free State’s offensive line develops more experience playing alongside each other, they only expect to become better and better throughout the year.

“We’re getting a little bit better each and every week,” Lisher said. “That needs to continue. I think we have an opportunity to have a very good offensive line as the season progresses. We’re still making mistakes, but that’s typical of this time of year.”

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 — Jordan Preston, jr.

RB — Jax Dineen, jr.

H — L.J. Mack, jr.

WR — Cole Phillips, jr.

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 — Vani Martinez-Vazquez, sr.

S — Keenan Garber, jr.