Eagles hold off Bulldogs 24-20

A late game defensive stand helped propel the Liberty Eagles to victory Friday night over the Cabool Bulldogs. 

With just over 5 minutes left in the game, down 24-20, Cabool looked to take their first lead and steal the victory away from Liberty. 

The Bulldogs recovered an Eagle fumble at their own 20-yard line, then proceeded to march down the field and set up 1st and 10, at the Eagle 11. 

Liberty's defense stepped up just when they had to, stuffing three runs and watching the fourth down pass fall to the ground, out of harm's way.

The Eagles took over possession of the ball and ran the clock out with a few first downs. 

Both teams’ defenses started the game strongly, forcing multiple empty possessions and ending the first quarter with all zeros on the scoreboard.

The second quarter was all fireworks. In fact, the Eagles scored on their first play of the second frame. Quarterback Carter Pruett found receiver Adrien Pendegraft from 12 yards out. Pendegraft was a welcome sight, back on the field after missing several games due to injury. The score was 6-0 after a missed PAT. 

Cabool answered moments later as Tyler Fleetwood made an 8-yard run. The two-point conversion was no good, and the game was knotted at 6 all. 

Pruett then found Pendegraft on the first play of the drive for a 55-yard scoring strike. The conversion attempt was no good. 12-6 Eagles. 

After a Cabool punt, Pruett scored on a 7-yard run, extending the lead to 18-6.

Fleetwood, for Cabool, tacked on his second score of the game, this time from one yard out. 18-12 Liberty, after the failed conversion.

With just 15 seconds left in the first half, Pruett hit Eddie Rodriguez for a 12-yard touchdown strike, and Liberty held a 24-12 halftime lead.

As was the case in the first quarter, both teams held their opponents out of the end zone in the 3rd frame.

With 9:33 remaining in the game, Cabool made the game interesting with a Trey Atkins one yard touchdown plunge. Atkins then found Isaiah White-Wake for the conversion. This gave Cabool a chance to stage a comeback, down just 24-20.

In the end, Liberty’s defense stood strong, and the Eagles pulled their record to 4-3 on the season.

Liberty hosts Salem for homecoming on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.