Training Camp Tour Day 1: Liberty Eagles
(Bealeton, VA) - 2006 was a year to remember for Liberty Eagle fans everywhere. The team finished the season an impressive 9-1; however, due to the VHSL playoff system were forced to stay at home and watch the AA Division 4 playoffs. The Eagles have moved up to the AAA ranks and are now a Division 5 team in the Cedar Run district. Coach Tommy Buzzo and the rest of the Liberty team are preparing and excited about what 2007 could bring.
Gone form last year's team are All-Gameday performers Devaughn Parson, Chris Hunter, and Andy Smith; all of whom Coach Buzzo will be attempting to replace as the season gets underway. However, the Eagles will be experienced at several key positions as Sam Ball-Whitfield returns in the secondary, as does Corey Lillard to the backfield, and Josh Russell on the offensive and defensive line. This Liberty Eagle team will look to surprise and impress in 2007 as they battle in a new district; defending Division 6 state champion Osbourn High School will welcome the Eagles into the Cedar Run in an early season game. We will know how the Eagles stack up in their new district and if they will be able to compete for the district title by mid-season. Let's answer 5 key questions to take a better look at the Liberty Eagles.
How Will the Eagles Perform in AAA in 2007?
The Liberty Eagles have been preparing for this season for the past 5 years. The team has played a non-district schedule consisting of only AAA teams during that span. Coach Buzzo will have the team prepared to kickoff the season as he has done in years past. Expect the Eagles to rely on the running attack and use the passing game as a nice complement throughout this season. Corey Lillard, who accounted for over 900 all-purpose yards a year ago, will split time with Culpeper transfer Mark Simpson, a three year starter for the Blue Devils. Defensively the Eagles are going to be as tough as anyone in the district. Returning on the defensive side of the ball are 6 starters from the 2006 team and with that experience the Eagles will be tough to run and pass on. The Liberty Eagles will be prepared for the 2007 campaign and will show everyone they belong from the start of the season.
How Will Mark Simpson Contribute to the Eagle Offense?
Mark Simpson comes to the Eagles from Culpeper High School as a three-year starter. Simpson should fit quite nicely into the Eagles offense as the season gets underway. The offensive scheme for Liberty is suited to a multiple back attack, which will give Simpson a chance to show his blocking abilities throughout the year. Expect to see Simpson make an impact and create mismatches for the defense, because if defenders key on Simpson, Corey Lillard will be ready to fill in and surprise teams with his quickness and agility. Liberty has had the fortune of being able to choose who carries the ball over the past few seasons due to the number of running backs in the arsenal, and this year will be no different with the addition of Mark Simpson.
Will the Eagles Non-District Schedule Prepare Them for Competition in the Cedar Run?
Simply put, yes. The Eagles have spent past season's scheduling AAA schools and this year is no different now that the Eagles are in AAA. Both North Stafford and Stafford have well established and successful teams, which will challenge the Eagles early in the season. These games will prepare and solidify personnel for Liberty as they go into district play on September 28th against the defending state champs in Osbourn. The Eagles have a very good chance to enter that contest undefeated at 3-0 should things go right and the team perform in the non-district schedule.
Can the Liberty Defense Step-Up in 2007?
The loss of Devaughn Parson, Chris Hunter, and PJ Cooper will be tough to replace; however expect Defensive Coordinator Mike Potts to find individuals that have the ability and drive to make these key departures less noticeable. Sam Ball-Whitfield will return in the secondary and the ball hawking corner will be looking to improve upon his numbers from 2006. Dustin West will anchor the linebackers in the middle and hopes to follow other great linebackers from seasons past. The defensive line will rely on the experience and determination of both Mark Spence and Josh Russell to lead the younger players and instill the pride that has grown in the Eagle football program over the past 5 seasons.
Key Game: Defending Division 5 state champion Osbourn will travel into Bealeton to play the Eagles on September 28th in a game that could ultimately decide who has the inside track for the Cedar Run title in 2007. This game should be a great one to watch as Liberty will get a real taste for what the Cedar Run is all about, and the Osbourn Eagles will not want to lose to the newcomer in the district.
Extra Point: Liberty Coach Tom Buzzo has garnered a 43-10 record in 5 seasons with the school, and will be looking to lead the Eagles to their 3rd playoff appearance in that span. Under Buzzo the Eagles have created a sense of pride between the guys who have played and the ones that are on the field now. This pride drives all the current players to perform and push themselves harder and harder each and every week to make this team the best it can be.
2007 Liberty Eagle Schedule:
Aug 31 Fauquier
Sept 14 @ North Stafford
Sept 21 Stafford
Sept 28 Osbourn
Oct 5 @ Stonewall Jackson
Oct 12 Battlefield
Oct 19 Osbourn Park
Oct 26 @ Culpeper
Nov 2 Loudoun Valley
Nov 9 @ Fauquier
