Free State High football players have seen Shawnee Mission West plenty in the past two years.

But both schools will debut much different teams than the ones that faced off previously in their season-opener at 7 tonight at SM South District Stadium.

The Vikings, 4-5 last year, return five starters on offense and four on defense, while the Firebirds bring back a little less from last season’s 9-2 squad, which lost in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.

“We know they lost a lot of guys just like we did, but we know them pretty well,” senior lineman Coleman Houk said.

The Firebirds have played the Vikings three times in the last two seasons and own a 2-1 record.

The most experienced position group for the Firebirds is the offensive line, where they have three returning starters: seniors Scott Frantz, Shane Hofer and Coleman Houk. Not only will they be expected to provide the leadership of the offense but also open running lanes for dual-threat quarterback Bryce Torneden and running backs Carson Bowen, Sam Skwarlo, and Joe Lane.

“I think our running backs are going to surprise people,” Houk said. “They’ve been looking really good lately.”

Though the Firebirds will likely have a committee in the backfield instead of one workhorse, they’re loaded with strength and speed.

There’s also a lot of hope in the passing game, with senior Blake Murray at tight end and senior Andrew Keating and junior Drew Tochtrop at wide receiver.

“I’m really excited,” senior H-back and cornerback Joel Spain said. “All the work through the summer all built up to this point, so I’m ready to get out there.”

On defense, FSHS will have Bowen, Spain and Torneden back in their starting roles from last season.

“They’ll know that our defense is going to be young, but I think they’re ready to step up,” Spain said.

FSHS coach Bob Lisher is confident the Firebirds have enough experience in their lineup to remain competitive with anyone in the Sunflower League, but they’ll be tested early. The Vikings return three starters of their offensive line.

It’ll be a quick adjustment for many of the new faces, but for many of the Firebirds, they’re just happy to be back playing football.

Is there any difference playing on Thursday instead of Friday?

“Not for me,” Houk said. “I just look forward to playing. It’s just another game. It could be Friday, it could be Thursday, it doesn’t matter to me.”