Liberty Drops Tight One To North Stafford 18-12
GARRISONVILLE, VA - The Liberty Eagles have fallen to 0-2 in 2007 after dropping a close game to the North Stafford Wolverines 18-12. Wayne Conner played extremely well in the wet conditions but was unable to lead the Eagles to their first victory of the year. Conner accounted for both scores for Liberty, and did a great job of escaping pressure throughout the game.
After North Stafford's Bruce Crawford scored on a 22 yard touchdown run four minutes in to the first quarter, Conner ran in from 8 yards out with 4:09 to go in the first quarter. After a failed attempt at an extra point the score stood at 6-6.
Faced with a 3rd and long, Conner escaped two Wolverine defenders and found Sam Ball-Whitfield streaking down the near sideline in what resulted in an 88 yard touchdown pass. After another failed attempt at an extra point, Liberty went in at the half ahead of the Wolverines, 12-6.
The Wolverine's spread offense accounted for 235 total yards, edging out the Eagles output of 211. Running Back Josh Fowler tied the game up with 3:29 to go in the third quarter from 1 yard out. Fowler's tough running and quickness proved a tough task for the Eagles as he helped the Wolverines amass 199 yards on the ground. Quarterback Bruce Crawford showed exceptional speed and did a good job of orchestrating the North Stafford attack. His 7 yard touchdown run with 4:08 to go in the 4th quarter proved to be the difference.
After Crawford's score, Corey Lillard returned the ensuing kickoff deep into Wolverine territory and put the Eagles in great shape to tie the game. Lillard was electric as usual laying big hits on defense and running over defenders when given the ball. Corey did drop a potential touchdown pass in the second half, but had a great night for the Eagles none the less.
Facing 3rd and goal from the 6 yard line, Conner rolled to his right and almost connected with Senior Thomas Novak on highly contested fade route that went in and out of Novak's hands. On 4th and goal Conner tried to hit Sam Ball-Whitfield on a 7 yard dig route, but the Wolverines were in the right position and the ball changed hands. Ball-Whitfield hauled in 4 passes for 145 yards, highlighted by the 88 yard strike, and played well on defense.
Liberty returns to Bealeton next Friday night the 21st, to face the Stafford Indians at Kip Hull Field. Last year's match up saw Liberty come out on top 14-13.
