Liberty Football Makes History
Eagles defeat Timberland 14-3 for the first time in program history
(left to right) Alex Fillner, Ben Adelsberger, Matt Craig, Zach Dotson and Mitchell Eckardt help to lead Liberty’s defense that kept Timberland out of the endzone for all four quarters in a 14-3 victory. The landmark win was the Eagles’ first ever against Timberland going back to 2016.
As the seconds ticked down on the clock Friday, Oct. 4 students went wild, players cried and teammates rejoiced the first-ever win over the Timberland Wolves in Liberty varsity football history.
The program has been working hard and pushing limits in order to get where they are now and intend to keep pushing boundaries throughout the rest of the season.
“Our team has been making steps in the right direction the past three or four years. We are improving every year and this year is no different,” Coach McMillen said.
After being blown out three consecutive seasons by Timberland, Liberty finally broke the Wolves’ streak on their homecoming game with a 14-3 victory. The Eagles improve their overall record to 3-3 heading into the LHS homecoming game Friday against Fort Zumwalt South at 7 p.m.
“We keep getting better and making strides and coming better as a team,” McMillen said.
Sophomore David Richards scored the only offensive touchdown of the game towards the end of the first half against the Wolves. It was on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Blake Seaton. The Eagles scored both of their touchdowns in the game in the second quarter.
“As a sophomore to step up in a game like that was huge. Not many people understand how big that is for a sophomore to step up,” McMillen said of Richards’ touchdown.
Another highlight was the touchdown made by the defense. Gage Krogman had the fumble recovery for a touchdown for the first points of the game.
In the end, the Eagles totaled five fumble recoveries with Zach Dotson; Ben Adelsberger totaling two; Anthony Tavolacci sealing the game late in the fourth quarter.
“They were animals. They were flying around, playing fast and they were playing relaxed,” McMillen said in reference to the defense’s play on Friday.
Will Killingsworth lead the team with two sacks in the whole play. And by halftime, the whole stadium was alive with Liberty’s leading score of 14-0.
The student section was filled with parents and students alike, ready to cheer on the team to victory.
“There was an excellent showcase of school spirit in the Liberty stands – almost everyone was in jerseys and we were all immersed in the game,” said sophomore Maddie Pegg. Though not normally an avid follower of the football team, she felt compelled to attend “because of the energy about it the whole day. The school was buzzing.”
