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Posted by Matt Tait September 5, 2008 at 3:54 p.m.

It's Opening Night

Sept. 5 finally has arrived. For many, it's merely another day on the calendar. A good day, sure, it's Friday. But there's nothing about it that makes it any more special than any other Friday. Unless you're a high school sports fan - specifically a high school football fan. If that's the case - and why wouldn't it be? - Sept. 5 is a day to celebrate. Fire up the tailgating, break out the school spirit. Both Lawrence High and Free State High open the regular season tonight, with the Lions traveling to Shawnee Mission North for a 7 p.m. kickoff and the Firebirds playing host to Shawnee Mission West at 7 p.m. at Haskell Stadium. If things go according to plan, this could be the last season opener at Haskell Stadium. But that's for a different blog altogether. Keeping an eye on the task at hand, here's a quick look at what to expect from both of tonight's games. Lawrence High at SM North The Lions caught a break with this one, as they open the season with a game against the team picked to finish last in the Sunflower League coaches' poll. SM North won just one game in 2007 and figures to struggle again in 2008. That's not to say tonight's game will be easy. Several LHS players will be getting their first taste of the big time tonight and nerves alone could play a huge part in this game. But LHS has enough returning talent to keep the team calm and that should be enough to lead the Lions to victory. It's been three years since the Lions opened the season with a win (49-7 over Leavenworth in 2005) but I'm betting the streak ends tonight. Behind a stifling defense and the solid running of Clifton Sims and Jake Green, LHS wins this one, 30-13. Free State High vs. SM West Talk about a marquee match-up to open the season. The Firebirds play host to traditional power SM West, a team that has caused havoc for Free State in recent years. In addition to ending the Firebirds' season in the playoffs in both 2005 and 2006, the Vikings have had Free State's number in the regular season as well. That changed last year when the Firebirds walked into SM West and won, 32-0, defeating a SM West team that was 5-0 at the time. You can bet the Vikings' players on the field that night who still wear the black and gold have not forgotten. The good news for Free State is it might not matter. The tide may be turning in this rivalry and behind a deep and experienced offensive line as well as the stylish and exciting running of Chucky Hunter, Free State should have more than enough to pick up the victory, making Sept. 5 a good night for the entire town. We'll go Firebirds in a blowout here, 42-20. Check back with The Dividing Line throughout the weekend for reaction to opening night and pick up a copy of the Journal-World on Saturday or log on to www.ljworld.com after the game for complete coverage of both contests.