Backs against the wall, Liberty North’s defense delivered the epitome of a goal-line stand when it mattered most.
The Eagles stopped a last-minute comeback effort on the way to a 23-21 victory against Lee’s Summit North, thanks in large part to Connor Baxley’s clutch tackle on a two-point conversion that would have tied the game.
“With the defense and the line, we say it all the time. Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships,” Liberty North coach Greg Jones said. “And that’s what happened.”
Through three quarters, the contest had all the markings of a season-opener. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm, trading turnovers and penalties.
But the Eagles (1-0) suddenly shifted into high gear as soon as the fourth quarter started. Trailing 7-3, Liberty North scored touchdowns on each of its first three possessions in the final quarter to take a 23-7 lead.
In doing so, Liberty North showcased its balanced arsenal of upperclassmen. Running backs Keshawn Turner and Zac Willingham-Davis both powered their way into the end zone, while senior quarterback Jake Van Dyne mixed in a touchdown strike to Luke Mathews.
Van Dyne, a three-year starter, said the entire offense fed off the energy from the defensive side to seize the moment in the fourth quarter.
“Especially the senior leadership this year, it’s just going to keep growing and growing,” Van Dyne said.
Even so, the Broncos needed less than a minute to show the explosive talent at their disposal. Senior running back Keyon Mozee, a Kansas State recruit, displayed exceptional strength and speed with a 51-yard touchdown that put his team right back in the game.
Mozee also reeled off a 93-yard kickoff return for his team’s first score and was a game-breaking threat every time he touched the ball.
Following a crucial defensive stop, Lee’s Summit North marched right down the field and was in position to tie the game after quarterback Carlton Perkins lofted a perfect touchdown pass – on fourth down, no less – to Jaden Moore with 34 seconds remaining.
But Baxley came up with the crucial tackle on the ensuing two-point conversion with inches to spare that allowed the Eagles to preserve the win.
“Heart, nothing but heart.” Jones said. “There’s only one word to describe it. Heart.”
Defense largely ruled the day for both teams, which included a standout effort from Lee’s Summit North senior linebacker Kienan Gaskin, among others.
Van Dyne led a diverse Liberty North passing attack to the tune of 158 passing yards on 15-for-22 completions. Mathews led the receiving corps with 69 yards receiving on four receptions.
Perkins and Jack Kemper split time at quarterback, while the Broncos’ rushing attack could never quite seem to get on track despite some strong efforts from Mozee and senior Myles Shaw.
For Van Dyne and his fellow seniors, the win exhibited this year’s potential for a team seeking a breakthrough in Jones’ third season in charge.
“That’s how you win ball games,” Van Dyne said. “I’m just so excited to see where this team can go.”
