Football

Liberty’s varsity revival upstaged by Huskies

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — Revived from its 2003 early season demise wrought by insufficient numbers, Liberty took the field against Highland on September 2. Amid the splendor of a bright late-summer afternoon, a large local-fan contingent cheered as their team took the field in their bright red jerseys and gleaming white pants and helmets. For those precious halcyon moments before the game, the magic of having a team represent the school that once ruled the area football roost was intoxicating.

Unfortunately, it took only one play from scrimmage for Highland’s running back David Baker to break off a 64-yard run to give the Huskies a 6-0 lead that dampen the spirits of both Liberty players and their fans. Highland, a big, strong team that figures to be a strong contender in Class B, unveiled a menacing offense that proved to be far too much for Liberty and the Huskies bulldozed their way to a 41-0 victory.

Over the past season and a half, Liberty has been missing from the varsity circuit while it continued to nurture its modified and junior varsity (JV) programs—enterprises that drew kids in encouraging numbers. Last year the school had 35 JV and 45 modified gridders and excitement was building for the 2005 resurrection of varsity football. Coach Jim O’Connor returned to the helm from a five-year hiatus with a team of able assistants.

No matter what the sport, Liberty is known to have its share of fine athletes. This year is no exception, but football success takes more than natural ability. It takes time to build a cohesive unit that is competitive. It takes kids who are willing to pay their dues by giving their all, even if that means coming up short against schools with more depth and experience. Coach O’Connor’s hope is that Liberty can survive this inaugural season and build from there. Hopefully enough kids will stay motivated and healthy to make that dream a reality.

Highland’s defense held Liberty to one yard on its first possession. Ryan Devoe returned the punt for 49 yards setting up the Huskies’ second score. Once again, it took only one play from scrimmage to score. This time is was Romaine Simon’s turn via a 12-yard gallop. Devoe’s run for the Point After Touchdown (PAT) made it 14-0.

The pattern was becoming clear. Liberty’s offense wasn’t up to the task, and Highland had the ability to move the ball at will. Baker’s second touchdown came by virtue of a 14-yard run. Devoe’s kick made it 21-0 and it was still only the first quarter.

Overcome by dehydration, Baker, a senior who missed all of last season, had to leave the game, but other Huskies stepped up to carry the load. In the second quarter, Dan Berta intercepted a pass thrown by Indian QB Joe Ruiz at the Liberty 11-yard line. It was his second pic of the day. Two runs later, Simon’s five-yard TD and a Devoe conversion made it 28-0.

In the third quarter, Highland’s coach Carl Relyea sent in junior Matt Prince to call the signals. Liberty was thrown for three consecutive losses, and Mike Sarno’s punt from his goal line was returned nearly to the house by Prince. On a fourth and goal from the nine, Prince dashed into the end zone. The PAT was blocked, and Highland sat on a 34-0 lead. Liberty continued to give Highland a short field by punting from deep inside its own territory. Thus the final touchdown: a nine-yard Devoe jaunt iced the win at 41-0.

Coach O’Connor told Section Nine web site maven Phil Dusenbury, “We just have to keep our heads and get back to work on Monday. We’re so thin in numbers, we just have to get in shape.” O’Connor praised the play of cornerback Sarno, who had to leave the game with a dislocated finger. He also commended sophomore Shane FitzSimmons for his play in the secondary.

Relyea was generally pleased with his team’s effort but noted that his offensive line needed more work, but with skilled players and size, Highland looks be a daunting foe. The Huskies will take on Red Hook.

Sullivan West will travel to Highland on Friday, September 23 for a game under the lights. Liberty (0-1) will visit Sullivan West (0-1) this coming weekend. Each team was victimized on opening day and that will add a sense of urgency, as neither team wants to get out of the gate at 0-2.