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Free State Torches O-South

By Shane Jackson, Lawrence Journal-World, 09/30/16, 11:00PM CDT

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Firebirds handle Falcons with ease

Free State Wins, 35-10

It hasn’t taken long for Topeka Hayden transfer Dallas Crittenden to make himself at home at Free State High.

On Friday, Crittenden aired out 246 yards with three touchdown passes en route to a 35-10 homecoming victory over Olathe South. With the win, the Firebirds (3-2) move above the .500 benchmark for the first time all season.

“It was a team effort,” Crittenden said. “I feel like we deserve this as a team because of all the hard work. Our line did the best they can do and my receivers did the best they do. My job is to just get it to them and hope they can do what they do.”

From the very first play from scrimmage, it was evident Crittenden was going to be able to take advantage of the Falcons through the air. On the opening play, Crittenden dropped back and found his favorite target — senior Zack Sanders — open over the middle on a post pattern.

Sanders had nothing but daylight, completing the 65-yard connection to give the Firebirds a 7-0 advantage just 17 seconds into the game.

“He’s electric,” Free State coach Bob Lisher said of Sanders. “When he gets the ball in his hands he can make some things happen. We have to give Dallas time to throw the ball, which we did tonight. We made quite a few big plays on both sides.”

It would not be the last time the dynamic duo linked up Friday night at the Cage.

Early in the second quarter the Firebirds began a drive on their own seven yard line, clinging to a 7-3 lead. Crittenden marched Free State down the field with the help of a pair of big plays such as a 24-yard scramble and a gain of 32 on a screen pass to Sanders.

Crittenden ended the nine-play drive by lobbing it up to Sanders in the corner of the endzone for a six-yard connection.

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