Skelton brothers lead way in Liberty's win over Perris
Jaylen Skelton crosses the goal line for a touchdown in Liberty High's win. (Photo by Rick Rowell) By Paige Mendez, Correspondent The ...
By Paige Mendez, Correspondent
The Liberty High football team continued its quest for an outright league title with a 49-6 win at Perris High Thursday night.
By the end of the first quarter, the Bison (8-1) had found the end zone four times for a lead of 28-0. Those four touchdowns included a 20-yard run from senior Andre Skelton, 19-yard run from Trent Hallis, another Skelton 15-yard run and a 23-yard reception by Brent Burroughs.
Two of the Bison drives started with an interception, one from Troy Thompson Jr. and another from Eddie Smith. Even with no score changes in the second quarter, Liberty went into the half with a decent cushion.
Head coach Adam Contreras said that strong start was very intentional.
“We got a little banged up last week, so I knew we had to come out strong in order to get our starters some rest and some reps for our younger guys,” said Contreras. “All week long I told them they needed a big start, and it was good to see them do that.”
Angelo Serena capitalized on that momentum with another interception on just the second play of the third quarter. The following drive resulted in a touchdown from Dylan Tyler.
Perris had their only touchdown of the game on the next drive in just four plays, but couldn’t complete the two-point conversion. With younger players now in the game, the Liberty sideline was filled with their starters cheering on their teammates, whom they all call brothers because, to them, this team is a family.
But one particular senior had an even closer connection to a teammate who saw playing time in the fourth quarter.
Skelton, who was responsible for two of the first-quarter touchdowns, stood impatient on the sideline to watch his younger brother play. Jaylen Skelton’s turn came just four minutes into the fourth quarter, when he ran in an 11-yard touchdown.
Then, just three plays after the following kickoff, Jaylen Skelton found the end zone again, tying his brother’s touchdown tally on the night.
“It feels kind of like a dream. Honestly, it felt better than even my touchdowns yesterday in JV,” Jaylen Skelton said.
“It was so cool to see him score. He’s one of those guys that has me jumping up and down when he gets in the game,” Andre Skelton said. “It’s a good time seeing those younger guys get in -- especially him.”
For being on a team that talks a lot about being a family, the Skelton brothers experience that literally. Which means it can sometimes get competitive, especially for the younger brother.
“When I started scoring on JV this year, I was quick to tell him when I had more touchdowns than he did,” Jaylen Skelton said.
But for both brothers, in the end, the other’s success is a source of pride.
“He’s been doing this his whole life, so this is expected for him,” said Jaylen of his brother. “I knew he would do this well, and honestly he’s just a good person to hang around.”
Andre added that his expectations for his brother are equally high.
“When I’m gone, he’s the next one up,” said Andre Skelton. “I’m expecting him to wear my number and make me proud.”
Andre Skelton added that he hopes his literal family will continue to make his team feel like a family in what he hopes will be a 17-game season, including the league championship.
The last regular-season game for the Bison will be a home match-up against Tahquitz (7-1) next Friday at 7 p.m.
Andre Skelton runs for one of his two touchdowns in Friday's big victory. (Photo by Rick Rowell)
Troy Thompson can't be stopped on this play during an interception return Friday night. (Photo by Rick Rowell)
Trent Hallis is on his way to a touchdown as Liberty wins big. (Photo by Rick Rowell)
