Fair Grove downs Liberty 42-14

Liberty's football season came to an end with a loss to the Class 2 number one-ranked Fair Grove Eagles. Fair Grove's explosive offense and opportunistic defense capitalized on Liberty turnovers to pull away for a 42-14 victory. 

 

The game started with Liberty receiving the opening kick. A series of good runs from running back Jaren Rutledge and quarterback Gavin Reese pushed Liberty deep into Fair Grove territory. But as would be a theme for the night, the home team Eagles (Fair Grove) stiffened up and forced a turnover-on-downs at their own 36-yard line. 

 

A few plays later, Fair Grove went to one of their biggest weapons. Kellen Lair hauled in a screen pass from Spencer Seiger and zigzagged his way for a 44-yard score. Fair Grove's kicker Gavin Brock knocked through the first of his 6 extra points on the night. 

 

Two minutes later, after another Liberty turnover-on-downs, Fair Grove struck again. This time Seiger threw a jump ball in the end zone. After a moment where both receiver and defender were tussling for the ball, the officials ruled a Fair Grove catch and touchdown by Bryden Baxter. 

 

With just over a minute to go in the first quarter, Liberty got on the board. Gavin Reese found receiver Kyle Roberts down the middle, who raced past the Fair Grove defense for the score. The conversion was no good, but Liberty cut the lead to 14-6. 

 

Momentum seemed to be swinging in the favor of Liberty. They forced a Fair Grove three-and-out and proceeded to move the ball downfield. But, the drive stalled when Fair Grove's Baxter intercepted the Liberty pass at his own 28-yard line. Fair Grove converted that turnover into 7 more points with just 21 seconds remaining in the half when Seiger plunged in from 1-yard out. 

 

In the second half, Liberty was stopped three more times on downs. Each drive ended deep in Fair Grove territory at the 27, 30 and 15 yard-lines. Add to that, a Fair Grove pick 6 by Baxter. Also, a Liberty fumble turned into a Seiger to Gavin Thomason 15-yard touchdown.

 

Liberty was able to add one more touchdown when Reese scrambled for a 29-yard score. 

 

The biggest difference in the game? Liberty couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Fair Grove on the other hand, did that really well. 

 

The loss puts a bow on another football season for Liberty. All in all, it was a solid campaign for the Eagles. In just his second season at the helm, head coach Jansen Acklin’s Eagles took home a share of the conference title and a spot in the district championship game. With a roster full of young talent, next year’s Liberty squad will be primed to take another step forward.