The Bird Bowl Preview: Liberty vs Fauquier
Liberty Eagles vs. Fauquier Falcons
Broadcast Media:
Friday Night Live Online at www.GamedayMagazine.com
The Bungalow Tailgate Show Starts at 7pm Online
Saturday 2pm on WTRI Vegas Radio 1520AM (Northern Virginia)
Where: Kip Hull Stadium - Bealeton, VA
When: 7:30pm Friday Sep. 1st
The 12th annual 'Bird Bowl' between the Liberty Eagles and the Fauquier Falcons kicks off on Friday night. This game between the only two high schools in Fauquier County is one of the most heated rivalries in the state, and the Eagles are holding serve after there 14-6 triumph over the Falcons last season. This season the Falcons may have the upper hand as they return many veterans to this team, while the Eagles have to replace a lot of talent.
Liberty Impact Players:
The Eagles will rely on senior Miles Reid to replace former All-Metro running back Adrian Hull. Hull amassed over 1400 yards rushing last season, but watch out for Reid who averaged over seven yards a carry in his limited role as a junior. Senior DeVaughn Parson is the player to watch on the defensive line. His playing time increases this season after he posted 12 solo tackles, four assists, and one sack during last year's campaign.
Fauquier's Impact Players:
The Falcon's success will be determined by the play of both the offensive and defensive lines. Chris Sutton is 6'4" 290 lbs and will now anchor the offensive line moving from guard to center this season. On the defense Nick Cook, 6'1" 285 lbs, will anchor the line for the Eagles. This senior is a stud on both sides of the ball as he plays iron-man football for Coach Greg Hatfield.
Key Matchups:
Keep an eye on Liberty's new running attack with Miles Reid leading the way against a very experienced Falcon defensive line that returns veterans Cook, Nick Caito, and John Olinger. Sophomore Andrew Byrd has impressed Coach Tom Buzzo and has earned the other starting defensive end job for the Eagles.
Fauquier's quarterback Kyle McCartin will be tested in his first start, throwing against a secondary that has family values. Brothers Chris and Sam Ball-Whitfield are very athletic and are the starting cornerbacks for the Eagles. Along with safety Corey Lillard who is coming off a season with 25 tackles, 21 assists and one interception, their secondary will be tough to throw against.
Keys to Victory:
Liberty Eagles:
Minimize mental mistakes
Forget about the past
Establishing the running game
Fauquier Falcons:
Win the battle in the trenches
Do not turnover the ball
Forget about the past, this is a new era of Falcon football.
Our Prediction:
The Liberty Eagles have dominated the 'Bird Bowl' for the past four years while the Falcon's have been rebuilding a once proud tradition. This game will spark the rebirth of the Fauquier Falcons' program under second year head coach Greg Hatfield. The Falcons win this tightly contested game by dominating both lines of scrimmage and using their experience to minimize costly mistakes. The rivalry is reborn.
Other notes:
Despite the Falcons moving up to the AAA level in the state, the Liberty Eagles, who remained at the AA level, have a load of talent and are only a few students away from moving up to the same level as Fauquier.
This will be Liberty's first game at Kip Hull Stadium designed with the new synthetic field turf. Hull, a former Eagle standout linebacker, donated the funds for the field earlier this year.
