photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World

Free State quarterback junior Finn Moore fights through contact during the Football Jamboree, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Lawrence.

The Free State football team got its first taste of game-like action on Friday night as part of the Free State Football Jamboree, hosting Spring Hill, Tonganoxie, and Leavenworth.

“I think we have a good team, just looking at how we match up with those schools, I thought we matched up fine,” head coach Kevin Stewart said. “But with all that said, we’ve got a lot to work on.”

Stewart said the jamboree was a good first opportunity to simulate different game situations, especially with a new-look roster.

“It’s really like a preseason game for us, it’s really a test run,” Stewart said. “It’s good to get a lot of reps for a lot of guys and work on things we feel like we need to work on.”

Quarterback Finn Moore looked comfortable in his first drive of the night against Spring Hill, using his legs and arm to drive the Firebird offense down the field. On the final play from scrimmage, Moore found wide receiver Shawn Overstreet for a touchdown.

Moore said that he’s gotten a lot better with his ability to be a passer, though he and Stewart both agree that there is still plenty to work on.

“I think he struggled a little bit with reads, and I think just the first time being in a live action setting, and everything’s moving a little faster,” Stewart said. “But he’ll be ready to go, there’s no doubt.”

Moore and senior Cooper May split snaps in Free State’s second scrimmage of the night against Tonganoxie, with the offense picking up just one first down in two drives.

The defense, which allowed a touchdown against Spring Hill, looked strong against Tonganoxie and turned the Chieftains over with an interception by linebacker Garrison Oatis. Oatis was all over the field during the drive, recording two tackles as well.

“I think he is getting better every single week,” Stewart said. “He’s a physical kid, he’s a tough kid, and we need him to be really good at that position to help us out.”

Oatis made the move to the linebacker position after playing on the defensive end for his entire football career. At first, the switch was difficult for him to grasp, but he has since become more comfortable at his new spot.

“It was taking me a minute to pick everything up,” Oatis said. “But now, I think I’m getting it down, and I think now I’m looking pretty good.”

In its second scrimmage against Spring Hill, the Firebird defense forced two 3-and-outs in nine plays, while the offense found success late on its final play when Moore found wide receiver Nello Allegrucci for a 20-yard reception.

Despite not finding the end zone in its final scrimmage of the night, the Free State offense showed the ability to move the ball with short-yardage plays and finished the night with a 20-yard run by senior Nez Lattimore-Douglas

Stewart said he has liked the way the offense has progressed, and is “pretty excited” about that side of the ball.

“I think they’re going to be just fine,” he said. “I think the quicker we get into a real game for them, I think we’ll be fine.”

Added Moore: “I felt really good. We have a lot of really good weapons (and) there’s a lot of things we can do. I think it’s going to be a really tough time for defense (to slow the offense down).”

The Firebirds start the season at home against defending state champion Gardner Edgerton on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World

Free State players Garrison Oatis, Julius Matthews, Draven Samuel and Keeten Parish pose for a photo on the sideline during the Football Jamboree, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World

Free State sophomore wide receiver Mark Ke runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the Football Jamboree, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior wide receiver Alijah Beckum gets taken down at the goal line during the Football Jamboree, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World

Free State quarterback junior Finn Moore fights through contact during the Football Jamboree, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior quarterback Finn Moore throws the ball during the Football Jamboree, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World

Free State senior wide receiver Sean Overstreet catches a ball during warm-ups before the Football Jamboree, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Lawrence.