Imagine if they had seniors! Liberty football team now 3-0

Liberty linebacker Brian Woisin makes a big tackle on Hemet running back Daniel Mendoza. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

For a team playing without seniors and in just its first varsity season, the Liberty High School football team is doing just fine, thank you.

The Bison pulled out a 34-27 victory at Hemet Thursday night, with Eddie Smith intercepting a pass from Hemet’s Draven Lopez inside the Hemet 20-yard line and running it into the end zone with just over a minute left in the game. The win improved Liberty’s record to 3-0.

“It was calling my name and I didn’t hear anyone behind me, so I knew I had to get it,” Smith said of his interception. “It was a big moment and we needed it for real. It changed the whole game around.”

The teams took turns running up and down the field in the first half, which ended with Liberty leading, 27-13. But Hemet (2-1) scored twice within six minutes in the third quarter to tie the game, and Liberty didn’t score in the second half until Smith’s touchdown.

In the first half, Liberty got touchdowns from Zach Velasco (64-yard pass from Troy Dulyn); Anthony Ruelas twice (runs of 14 and 4 yards); and Andre Skelton (6-yard run). On defense, the Bison made some key sacks; had a pass deflection by Nathan Cervantes; and an end zone interception by Velasco to end the Bulldogs’ chance of getting back in the game.

Before that last drive, however, Hemet had an answer for each Liberty touchdown with scores by running backs Daniel Mendoza and Tanner Fye, as well as a scoring pass from Lopez to wide receiver Orion Hudson and defensive back, a pick six by Daniel Sendejas.

“There are things we need to improve in coaching and calling the right play and having young kids,” said head coach Kraig Broach. “But I will say, I’m glad at the fact that while we have to improve things, we still found a way to win.”

Broach said the final touchdown was characteristic of Smith as a leader on the team.

“At that point, there’s not a lot for us coaches to do,” Broach said. “Sometimes players have to take over, and that’s what Eddie did. He made a key play at a key point in the game. He’s a special player.”

Smith said that finding a way to win is part of a legacy he and his teammates are working to build.

“This is our legacy, it’s what we’re made for. All the other teams in our way better watch out,” he said.

Liberty will have a break in their schedule next week but will play at home on Sept. 16 against Rubidoux.

Anthony Ruelas scores one of his two touchdowns in Thursday night's victory. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

 Eddie Smith crosses the goal line with the winning touchdown on an interception return. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

 Andre Skelton straight-arms a defender during a run in Friday's game at Hemet. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

 Liberty defensive lineman Caiden Vercruysse makes a huge sack on a defender late in the game. (Photo by Rick Rowell)