LHS Offense Sputters in Season Ending Loss

Liberal played well defensively and on special teams.  But LHS struggled offensively.  The Redskins failed to score an offensive touchdown in a 14-7 loss to the Emporia Spartans in a 5A playoff game Friday night at the Gary Cornelsen Sports Complex.  Liberal amassed only 121 yards and just 20 rushing yards.  Emporia had 220 yards.

The Redskins forced five Emporia turnovers.  The first game when Derryck Symons recovered a fumble at the 5:18 mark.  Emporia got it back and scored on an Anthony Delgado five yard run.  The drive was aided by 20 penalty yards against LHS.  Syris Dunlap returned a kick 99 yards for a touchdown at the :29 mark of the first quarter for a 7-7 tie.  Emporia fumbled as they were going in to score at the one and Ty Johnson recovered the fumble at the one.  Jose Aguilera’s interception with 17 seconds left helped set up a 34 yard field goal attempt from Burciaga who missed wide left for a 7-7 halftime score.

Emporia’s offense coughed up two more fumbles recovered by Misael Monarrez for five turnovers.  Emporia’s Hayden Baumwart lofted a 40 yard TD pass to a wide open Bryce Crouch in the middle of the field for a score.  Emporia picked off two Liberal passes late.  Freshman quarterback sparked the offense with 50 passing yards late in the game.  LHS passed for 101 yards including 35 on a halfback pass from Burciaga.

Liberal finishes 4-5 after their eighth straight playoff loss.  LHS finishes 1-4 at Redskin Field.  Emporia is 4-5.

photos by Eric Smalldridge