To say 2021 will be a better year for Free State is an understatement.

The Firebirds underwent ups and downs all year long with COVID concerns, playing in just six games and only facing three Sunflower League foes, but powerhouses in Olathe North, Mill Valley and Lawrence. The end result was a disheartening 0-6 record in head coach Kevin Stewart’s second season at Free State, as well as forfeiting the first round of the state playoffs due to COVID.

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“Although our record was disappointing, I was very proud of the players and coaches for showing resiliency and responding to adversity,” stated Stewart. “I never felt like there was any person or reason to blame or point fingers at, it was just a challenging season because of the adversity we faced.”

Despite the winless campaign, the Firebirds look to rebound swiftly. Senior quarterback Jet Dineen returns after throwing for 427 yards and four scores, and rushing for 672 yards and four touchdowns, with 1,099 total yards in just six games. Senior running back Dash Cleveland returns after averaging 4.6 a carry, and junior Dylan Farrel (5-foot-9, 170) will be in the mix. Free State’s top two receivers Jake Patchen (201 yards, 2 TDs) and Manny Epelle return, while another possible big addition could be transfer Jordan Brown was amongst the Metro area leaders in receiving yards while at Basehor-Linwood with 1,045 and a city-best 16 touchdowns.

Junior Spencer Doan (6-foot-5, 210) and senior Colby Murray (6-foot-4, 225) will see time at tight end, as well as junior Gavin Blanchard.

Up front, Tyler Gourley (6-foot-2, 290) returns as a three-year starter at center, while senior Tai Newhouse (6-foot-3, 285) – a Tulsa commit - also is a three-year starter and will lead the Firebirds at left guard. Junior Calvin Clements (6-foot-8, 285) also holds immense talent at left tackle with offers from Kansas and K-State. Others who may see time on the line include Murray, junior offensive tackle Kaden Lonard (6-foot-6, 280) and junior Will Young (5-foot-11, 215).

“We should return to the Free State tradition of a strong offensive line,” Stewart said. “We have a good blend of returners as well as talent.”

Defensively, Newhouse will join seniors Preston Tran (6-foot-2, 240) and Brian Lane (6-foot-1, 220) as returning starters in the 3-4. Senior Caden Thomas (6-foot-1, 215) also will join the trio in the rotation.

Senior Quez Lee (6-foot-4, 200) returns to lead the linebacker corps, while senior Josiah Nash (5-foot-10, 200), junior Colton Berger (6-0, 180), senior Logan Krein (5-foot-9, 190), senior Lucas Hout (5-foot-11, 200) and senior Matt Flynn (5-foot-9, 180) also will patrol the middle of the defense.

Cornerback Grant Gregory (5-foot-10, 170) started as a junior last year and will help lead the secondary. Other likely starters include junior cornerback Emmet Jones (6-0, 180) and junior safety Peyton Wheat (5-foot-10, 185).

“Overall, we’ll need to develop consistency at key positions,” Stewart predicted. “We have a lot of talent and potential on the team. We will need to be more consistent at running back and defensively at linebacker and in the secondary.”

The Sunflower League will be tough as usual, but Stewart likes Free State’s chances if things get clicking.

“I believe we will have a great opportunity to compete for a league championship this season, but our outcome will be determined by the stretch of games in the middle of the season against: Olathe North, Mill Valley, and Gardner Edgerton,” Stewart forecasted. “If we are able to win these games, we will have a great opportunity to win the Sunflower League.”

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