Liberty football program takes step one in its journey today

Coach Kraig Broach got a bigger turnout than expected for the team's first practice. (Photo courtesy Liberty Bison Twitter page)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

For the first time, they’re letting the Herd loose today.

After years of discussion, planning and construction, Liberty High School opened this month. And after weeks of pulling together an unproven but eager group of freshmen and sophomores, two Bison football teams will take the field to open their seasons today.

The Liberty freshman team will open the school’s new football stadium with a 3:30 p.m. game today against Elsinore. Meanwhile, at North High in Riverside, Liberty’s varsity team will take the field for the first time in a game against North’s JV team.

This developmental process is nothing new for Liberty varsity coach Kraig Broach, who did the same thing when Heritage High opened its doors in 2007. Back then, the Patriots also had just freshmen and sophomores the first year, when they played an eight-man freelance schedule. Three years later, they were 11-1 and Broach was on his way to compiling a 117-31 record, with three appearances in the CIF finals and one championship.

This time, Broach was ready to take his young team up against a varsity team from day one. Unfortunately, because of what the coach called “a number of things that came up,” Liberty’s first two games will instead be against JV competition. Games at Pius X of Downey Friday night and what would’ve been the team’s home opener the next week against Whittier Christian have been cancelled.

But perhaps that’s just as well for a team that is still developing fundamentally while the players build team unity. Whatever the case, Broach said he is having a blast after taking a year off from coaching.

“It’s just been really invigorating,” Broach said. “Obviously nothing against Heritage, but this is a fun new experience. The kids are wide eyed, mostly with no experience, but a lot of enthusiasm. We get the chance to build a whole new identity.”

Saying that playing a JV game today is “the right thing to do,” Broach said the experience will be invaluable, no matter the level. After playing the North JV team this afternoon, the Bison will play another JV team the following Thursday against an opponent yet to be determined.

Because of the schedule adjustment, the Bison’s home opener won’t take place until Sept. 30 against Cantwell. Liberty will finish the season with four of its final five games at home.

“When you play a freelance schedule, you’re at the mercy of when teams are available,” Broach said. “I thought maybe we wouldn’t have any home games.

“We’re talking about teams that are in a similar situation as us. We’re playing smaller schools for the most part. Even though they’re varsity, they don’t have 22 seniors, they have two or three. This will be more competitive.

“Mainly, I want it to be a positive experience for young people. After what we’ve been through [with COVID-19], the kids missed those connections with others. So did I. That’s been the most rewarding part.”

Broach isn’t ready to start naming names of “top prospects” until he sees them in game action. What’s most encouraging to him is the turnout; Liberty has 109 players in its football program for two teams.

“My best estimate was we’d have 70, maybe 75,” Broach said. “But 109? That wakes you up a bit. We’ve certainly had buy-in from the community around here. Everybody is really excited.”