Liberty Eagles earn big win over state-ranked Ava Bears

The Eagles are catching fire. After starting the season with a loss, they have reeled off three-straight wins and are becoming a tough opponent on the gridiron. Friday night, the Eagles walloped the previously unbeaten and state ranked Ava Bears 34-12. 

 

The first half was a roller coaster of momentum. Just as one team had a good play, the other would answer with a play of their own to shift momentum back. 

 

After a pair of Ava turnovers to start the game, Liberty capitalized with a Gavin Reese to Parker Tune touchdown pass from 20-yards away to grab the early lead. 

 

Ava would answer a few minutes later, converting a Liberty fumble into a Hunter Adams 24-yard touchdown run for the 6-6 tie. 

 

Momentum seemed to be shifting in Ava’s favor. With just 50 seconds remaining in the half, they cashed in on an Aiden Lane five-yard plunge that ended a six-minute scoring drive for the 12-6 lead. 

 

But Liberty wasn't done yet in the half. They marched down the field with surgeon-like precision, slicing up the Bear defense. With just six seconds left in the half, Tune somehow grabbed a Reese pass in double coverage to tie the game. Reese and Tune connected again on the two-point conversion and Liberty snagged a narrow 14-12 halftime lead. 

 

Halftime seemed to really help the Eagles. After the break, Liberty's defense made adjustments and shut down the Ava rushing attack. 

 

The Eagles would go on to add three more scores in the game. Two rushing touchdowns from Jaren Rutledge and another score from Tune finished off the night. 

 

This Friday night is the battle of northern Howell County when Liberty travels to Willow Springs to take on the much-improved Bears.