The Liberty Eagles rallied in the second half to win their first ever game against the North Point Grizzlies 28-24 Thursday, Sept. 8. 

After losing the first two games of the season, the Eagles traveled to North Point in front of a big Liberty crowd.

“We played a full four quarters of football and that led to us being victorious,” Coach Kling stated. 

After falling behind 18-13 at halftime, junior Marquis Williams gave the Eagles the lead temporarily with a 30-yard touchdown run. A two-point conversion by junior Noah Kuehner gave Liberty a 21-18 lead.  

However, North Point came right back with a touchdown of their own in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. The two-point conversion failed, however, the Grizzlies had a 24-21 advantage.

Kuehner suffered an injury and had to sit out the rest of the game. However, Kuehner not being able to play did not keep the Eagles from winning the game.

Cody McMullen helped to lead the game-winning drive as he completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Zak Kach. Charlie Hebden converted the extra point and the Eagles led for good, 28-24. 

“It was my first varsity touchdown, pretty fun,” Kach said, who was proud that he could get the team the winning touchdown. “We were down when I scored the touchdown so it meant a lot to the team.” 

After the game, the players were asked what they thought the team did differently compared to the previous games, and what will prepare them for more victories in the future. 

“We played as a team a lot more, and we focused on our jobs more, and made sure everyone was doing their job,” Marquis Williams said. 

At the end of the day, the team was stoked to win their first game. 

“It was good, it had its ups and downs, but that’s what football is,” Matt Craig revealed after the end of his last “first win.”

The Eagles hit the road again on Sept. 16 for a game at Roosevelt, who has a 1-1 record.

_____________________

Liberty 28, North Point 24

NPHS   6     7    8   7   –  24

LHS      6   12    0   6  –  28

First Quarter

L: Marquis Williams 2 run (run failed), 9:44

N: Aneas Smith 66 pass from Hoyt Gregory (run failed), 7:51

Second Quarter N: Aneas Smith 11 run (run failed), 8:18

L: Noah Kuehner 2 run (kick), 5:34

N: Trey Trennepohl 10 pass from Hoyt Gregory (run failed), 0:30

Third Quarter

L: Marquis Williams 30 run (Noah Kuehner run), 7:17

Fourth Quarter

N: Hoyt Gregory 3 run (run failed), 11:56

L: Zak Kach 8 pass from Cody McMullen (Charlie Hebden kick), 8:19