Overview
- Coach Colin Thomas named sophomore Jason Haines the starter and Haines ran the offense efficiently, completing 10 of 12 passes for 182 yards and two touchdown passes in the first half.
- Senior Kenny Raymond remained a key, versatile weapon who was used in multiple packages and capped a late burst with a 35-yard rushing touchdown that turned the game into a running clock.
- Special teams and defense changed momentum with a 65-yard kickoff return by Carter Rothe and a second-half forced fumble recovered at the Mesa 1 that led directly to a Liberty touchdown.
- Liberty converted big plays into a steady stream of points, including a 78-yard scoring pass to Rothe and multiple short-field situations created by turnovers and penalties.
- Despite losing many starters from recent title teams, Liberty’s new contributors and coaching staff project the program will remain a contender against nationally ranked Arizona rivals in the Open Division.