Football: Liberty

Spirits soar as Indians ignite for coming fray

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY 1 Resurrecting Liberty’s football program, dormant since 2003, was a Herculean task for head coach Jim O’Connor in 2005. The lack of depth and experience of the grueling rigors of the Class B schedule provided its fair share of adversity.

But give O’Connor and his tough Indians credit. They never gave up. O’Connor’s goal was to get through the season and build on it. The process will take time, but if Liberty is to return to its legendary status as a football power, the first thing it will need are players who are determined, willing to sacrifice and give 100 percent.

Heart and will seem to be in no shortage at this juncture. Numbers are up as Liberty is fielding a team that approaches 50 players. That includes 13 seniors, many of whom are survivors of last year’s winless wars.

Who’s gone?

While the Indians will miss the tough play of graduates Casey Pazzalia, Pete Panagakos, Mike Sarno, Dave Brown, Mike Vandenberg, Don Battaro, Rob Silva, Joe Valentine, Matt Dexter and Corey VanKeuren, others are ready to carry the red and white banner into the realm of respect and redemption.

“Attendance has been great,” said O’Connor, who continually urges his players to hit hard and show their toughness during practice. O’Connor knows that the success of the season can only be predicated on his team’s response to hard hitting.

Who’s on?

This year, senior Andre Brand and junior Joey Ruiz will take turns calling the signals. Juniors Trevor Tompkins and John Snyder will run as tailbacks. At fullback, the Indians will feature Troy Bertholf and Marcus Hunter.

On the line, look for King Davis at center, seniors Ben Froelich and Kyle Raven at guard. Also rotating in will be junior guard Ian Irwin.

At the tackle spot will be junior Chris Dutcher and Nelson Gabriel. The tight end will be Justin Mills, and Rodjohn Patel will play at split end. Add in the fine athletic prowess of Lakarri Byrd and you have a Liberty team that could truly open some eyes.

What’s on tap?

Liberty opens its regular season with a match up down at Chester on September 1 under the lights. Class C Chester will be a good test for the Indians as the Hambletonians ended last year with a disappointing Section 9 title game loss to Eldred.

In week two, the grueling Class B wars erupt with a trip to Highland. Then, it’s home against Tri-Valley in a crossover game. Week four witnesses another league game; this one a home stand against tough John S. Burke Catholic. Then it’s on to Eldred, home versus LMR, home in a league game versus Spackenkilll, followed by a trip to Ellenville for the last league game of the season.

The final game will feature a home game against Pine Ridge, NJ. Missing from this year’s schedule will be a tilt with local rival Sullivan West.

O’Connor and his staff are excited about the upcoming season. Counting on the team’s lively spirit and preseason fire to continue, Liberty looks to be named as a high school football force to be reckoned with. O’Connor will be ably assisted by assistant coaches John Wilhelm, Scott Harmon, Derek Adams and Adam Ramirez.

With Jason Semo onboard as athletic director, positive changes in Liberty’s athletic program are only a matter of time. Poised to bring his energy, high degree of organization and intensity into a school rife with talent, Semo’s influence can already be felt.

All in all, it should be an exciting year in the realm of Liberty High School athletics.