Liberty High School’s annual Homecoming football game held this past Saturday, Sept. 26th, delivered an atmosphere charged with school spirit and high energy, even though the final score didn’t favor the home team. The Liberty Lancers fought hard against a formidable opponent but ultimately fell, losing with a score of 41-7. While the defeat was tough, the evening crowd was a celebration of the community, capped by the anticipation expressed by the players beforehand.
Before the opening kickoff, several members of the Lancers football team shared their thoughts and predictions for the contest, highlighting the importance of the night’s electric atmosphere and their mental preparation for the big game.
Quarterback, junior Jackson Harr, saw the game as an opportunity for a true test of grit and endurance. “It’s going to be a four-quarter game, we’re not expecting to win but we’re not expecting to lose either, it’s going to be a fight through and through,” Harr said.
When asked if this was the most important game of the season, Harr was pragmatic, saying, “In our opinion, no.” He also appeared completely unfazed by the pressure. “Not at all,” he replied when asked about nerves. For his pre-game routine, Harr shared a focused and spiritual approach: “I usually pray, and I keep my faith high, and God usually calms me down.”
Running Back Elijah Takemoto anticipated a close, defensive battle. “I think it’s going to be a very low scoring game,” he predicted, emphasizing the impact of the crowd.
“This game, the energy and crowd are going to be crazy.” Takemoto admitted to some nerves, explaining, “Just a little bit, this is the biggest crowd we are going to have.” Like his quarterback, Takemoto uses faith and music to settle down: “I pray and listen to music.”
Outside Linebacker Clay Shatler echoed the sentiment of a prolonged battle. “I definitely think it’s going to be a four-quarter game,” Shatler said. “I don’t think either team will blow out the other, it will just be a tight game.”
Shatler acknowledged the significance of the event. “Homecoming is definitely up there,” he noted. “There will be a lot of people that will show up, and a lot of people are counting on you.”
Shatler views nerves as a positive motivator: “I have some nerves but being nervous isn’t a bad thing, you should be nervous for a game like this.” His approach to calming pre-game jitters is simple: “I listen to calm music before because I’m already hyped for the games.”
Despite the Lancers pre-game confidence and anticipation for a “four quarter fight,” the game quickly turned into a difficult challenge. The opposing team’s offense proved to be potent, finding holes in the defense and executing well-designed plays throughout the four quarters. The Lancers one touchdown of the night was a moment of sheer excitement for the home crowd, showing flashes of the offensive potential that the players spoke about.
However, the team struggled to maintain possession and mount a consistent defense against the relentless pressure. Ultimately, the gap in the score widened as the game progressed, resulting in the 41-7 defeat.
While the final score wasn’t what the Liberty community had hoped for, the Homecoming game remains a cherished tradition. The interviews reveal a group of players who are dedicated, aware of the high stakes, and mentally prepared for competition. Moving forward, the Lancers will undoubtedly use this tough game as a learning experience, channeling their competitive spirit and community support toward the remainder of their season.
