Every football team in the Sunflower League is dealing with injuries at this time of the year. However, not many teams can compare their injury woes to Free State High’s.

The Firebirds have dealt with injuries to several starting linebackers and running backs throughout the season. But they won’t let that be an excuse for their performance on the field, as they prepare to face Shawnee Mission South at 7 tonight at SM South District Stadium.

Free State (2-3) has lost its last two games, but nobody was sulking in practice this week.

“Kids came out there resilient. They realized what we’ve got to do to get better,” FSHS coach Bob Lisher said. “Our guys understand the fact that we just have to get better with what we have and not worry about what we don’t have.”

What’s the biggest challenge for some of the new starters?

“Getting out there and trying to do things fundamentally right and fast,” Lisher said. “That’s the toughest part, when you have to play fast under the lights. When you’re not used to that, sometimes it takes awhile for that to kick in.”

Lisher said his team would do some things differently this week against SM South (1-4), as they adjust to players in new roles.

“Really, the biggest thing at linebacker is making sure you have your reads and taking care of your assignment,” junior linebacker Paul Bittinger said. “I feel like it’s been pretty smooth (at linebacker) lately. I think it’s been going pretty well, and I hope it keeps going that way.”

The Firebirds haven’t complained about how hard they’ve been hit with the injury bug, instead sticking with the “next man up” approach. For players who have stepped into a bigger role in the starting lineup, there’s a big difference in game speeds versus junior varsity games, but they’re ready for it.

“Just making sure I do my job right,” senior linebacker Blake Haley said. “The first time I went in, I was kind of nervous. But once you get in there, you get the hang of it.”

FSHS probable starters
Offense
LT — Scott Frantz, sr.

LG — Shane Hofer, sr.

C — Coleman Houk, sr.

RG — Josiah LeBrun, sr.

RT — Tanner Liba, jr.

QB — Bryce Torneden, jr.

RB — Joe Lane, sr.

H — Joel Spain, sr.

WR — Tye Carter, sr.

WR — Andrew Keating, sr.

TE — Blake Murray, sr.

K — Joel Spain, sr.

P — Tye Carter, sr.

Defense
DE — Blake Murray, sr.

NG — Michael Georgie, sr.

DE — Shane Hofer, sr.

OLB — Drew Tochtrop, jr.

MLB — Tye Carter, sr.

LB — Paul Bittinger, jr.

LB — Blake Haley, sr.

OLB — Carson Bowen, sr.

CB — Andrew Keating, sr.

CB — Joel Spain, sr.

FS — Bryce Torneden jr.