Liberty Eagles Collared the Cabool Bulldogs in a Defensive Battle 14-6

Friday night lights, packed stands, the smell of fresh popcorn, and two teams with 4-2 records. Captains Tyler Watts #10 and Kyle Johnson #59 met at the fifty yard line. Cabool won the toss and deferred until the second half.

 

Bulldog Kicker Eddie Swisloski #77 booted a squib kick, and Carter Pruett #5 advanced the ball out to the Eagles 42-yard line. The first possession for the Eagles was uninspiring for the offensive squad. On first and ten, a loss of one yard and then a false start penalty brought up second and sixteen. Watts #10 in the shotgun dropped back and threw a pass intended for Kal Acklin #3, but it fell incomplete. Now third and sixteen, Bulldog defensive lineman Eddie Swisloski #77 muscled his way through the Eagles protection and sacked Watts #10 for a loss of two.

 

It was fourth and eighteen, and the Eagles were forced to punt to the Bulldogs. Cabool Quarterback Quincy Flanagan #5 took over at their own 19 yard line. After two plays Flanagan completed a pass to Logan Primanzon #12 and moved the chains for the Bulldogs.

 

Kaden Daniels #78 was able to bat a pass out of the air to bring up third and three. Then Zeb Cornman #33 tackled Braxton Davis for a one yard loss bringing up fourth and four. The Bulldogs punted back to the Eagles.

 

The Eagles did get a first down on their second possession but at fourth and seven. Watts #10 to Drew Ripko #7, the pass was incomplete, and the ball was turned over on downs.

 

Cabool would also turn the ball over on downs followed by an Eagles Punt and a Bulldogs fake punt attempt which resulted in a turnover on downs.

 

This would happen on the next two possessions for both the Eagles and Bulldogs. The game was turning into a defensive Coach’s dream. On the Eagles next possession, Watts threw an INT to Bulldog Maverick Smith #33 to end the drive.

 

With half time approaching and no score on the board, Watts passed to a well-guarded Noah Jester #8 who then displayed his excellent footwork and ran for a 34-yard touchdown. The Eagles went for the two-point conversion, and Watts ran right up to the backs of his offensive line, jumped straight up and tossed the ball into the open hands of Drew Ripko #7. At halftime the Eagles lead the Bulldogs 8-0.

 

Cabool started the second half with a three and out. On first and ten, Tyler Watts threw an INT to Bulldog Maverick Smith #33, his second INT of the game. Flanagan #5 would have to work hard on this next drive, with Devon Shoup #74 and Braden Gastineau #67 putting on the pressure.

 

Tanner Ripko also had a touchdown-saving tackle that gave the Bulldogs first and goal from the five yard line. Flanagan tossed the ball to Dakota Schwenk #20, who was covered by Noah Jester #8. Both fought for the ball but Schwenk came down with a touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good, and the Bulldogs trailed 6-8.

 

The Bulldogs did an onside kick, recovered and maintained possession of the pigskin. Fortunately for the Eagles, their defense kept the Bulldogs from scoring again.

 

In the fourth quarter, Carter Pruett #5 had a seven-yard touchdown run and brought the final score to 14-6, Eagles.

 

The Eagles defense was instrumental in preventing the Bulldogs from scoring.

 

 "The kids were really getting off the ball, and they just kept working and working and working. Their effort was unbelievable tonight. Anytime we see some mismatch or some kind of formation or personnel change that benefits us, that Carter Pruett plugs in, then he and Tyler Watts are basically interchangeable.

 

Our goal all week was to be fighting too at the end of the night. No matter how we got it whether it be a blowout or if it was a one point victory like last week, we really don't care we just want another victory and get onto next week. Try to get another one," said Liberty Head Coach Brock Kenaga.

 

The Eagles head to Salem, Missouri Friday, October 16 to take on the Tigers at 7:00 pm.