Inside the Game: Liberty Hawks 55, Fowler Redcats 22

Player of the game: Outside linebacker Tahner Green was all over the field. He led the team with nine tackles, including 1.5 tackles for losses. Green kept the Redcats from running to the outside, recording four solo tackles. He also picked up an onside kick to give the Hawks an extra possession in the second quarter that led to a touchdown. He also rushed six times for 36 yards and scored Liberty’s final touchdown.

Unsung heroes of the game: Liberty linemen Nick Hayes and Adam Pearce rarely come off the field on offense and defense. They just moved to their defensive positions when the Hawks gave up the ball on downs twice against Fowler. They were instrumental in limiting the Fowler running game. They combined for nine tackles, including six solo tackles. They also opened holes on the line that allowed Liberty backs to rush for 434 yards, the third game Liberty has rushed for more than 400 yards this season.

Play of the game: The Hawks just tied the score at 14 and Fowler gained possession. They were moving the ball against the Liberty defense, but the Hawks stiffened. Liberty stopped Fowler for losses on three straight plays, but a face mask penalty gave the Redcats a first down. On the next play, Fowler quarterback Martin Plata went back to pass. William Bucaroff blitzed off the edge and jumped just as Plata threw the ball. Bucaroff batted the ball back to Plata. Plata avoided Bucaroff in the end zone and threw to a receiver. However, it’s illegal to throw two forward passes on one play. The Redcats were penalized and the Hawks were given a safety. Liberty took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Hawks scored 31 points in the second quarter to turn a 14-7 deficit into a 
38-14 halftime lead.

Drive of the game: Fowler took a 14-7 lead with 11:10 left in the second quarter. The Hawks went to work. Wyatt Roth carried for 14 yards. Rylan Howe went for nine and Roth carried for six more. Howe gained seven up the middle and Kaleb Roth got the first down to the eight-yard line. Howe went up the middle for three and Roth finished the drive with a touchdown inside the right pylon. Charlie Smith’s extra point tied the game with 8:52 left in the first half, 2:18 after Fowler took the lead.