In the third home game in a row, the Eagles went head-to-head with the Washington High School Blue Jays. As the student section erupted with Eagle spirit, Liberty swept past the Blue Jays, 49-21 to improve their record to 4-1. They also found redemption after suffering a loss last year to the Blue Jays by almost 70 points. 

“It was crazy last year, it shouldn’t’ve been that way,” said junior quarterback Cody McMullen. “I am glad we bounced back this year, it was amazing.”

The game started with the Eagles winning the coin toss, and the redemption game began. Senior Marquis Williams scored the first touchdown of the game followed by an extra point scored by McMullen. Shortly following, Washington suffered a 35-yard penalty, soon followed by the Blue Jays evening out the score, and rounding off the first quarter.

However, kicking off the second quarter, Williams found the endzone scoring the Eagles second touchdown, then dedicating it to his mother.

“She’s a special lady and tomorrow’s her birthday,” Williams said.

The rest of the first half was filled with a touchdown from senior Matthew Manocchio, followed by a couple extra points by McMullen.  

Kicking off the second half, McMullen not only scored a 1-yard touchdown, but also followed it up with an extra point. Liberty took a commanding 28-7 lead. 

“It’s crazy, I didn’t even know I could kick honestly, they were just like ‘can you kick’ and I was like ‘sure’. They wanted me to stay on the field and I did, and I drained it. It was crazy,” McMullen said. .

Finishing up the game, Williams scored another two touchdowns to secure the win.

“It felt good honestly, especially after last year. It just felt good to get back on the field, and show them what we’re made of,” Williams said.

LIBERTY 49, WASHINGTON 21

Washington 7 0 6 8 – 21

Liberty 7 14 22 6 – 49

First Quarter

L: Marquis Williams 3 run (Cody McMullen kick), 6:51

W: Tyrese Thurmon 15 pass from Ryan Kassebaum (Nick Lucido kick), 0:21

Second Quarter

L: Marquis Williams 3 run (Cody McMullen kick), 10:53

L: Matt Manocchio 53 pass from Cody McMullen (Cody McMullen kick), 3:46

Third Quarter

L: Cody McMullen 1 run (Cody McMullen kick), 10:53

L: Marquis Williams 43 run (Cody McMullen kick), 8:45

W: Nick Lucido 48 pass from Ryan Kassebaum (kick failed), 7:08

L: Marquis Williams 18 run (Noah Kuehner pass from Austin Steenbeke), 5:05

Fourth Quarter

W: Landon Boston 2 pass from Ryan Kassebaum (Landon Boston pass from Ryan Kassebaum), 11:56

L: Marquis Williams 53 run (kick failed), 1:06