Complete Box Score and Play by Play
Needing a second-half turnaround, Liberty North relied on its tried-and-true formula that has so often been the recipe for the team’s success.
Run the ball. Play physical defense. Take control. Win the game.
The Eagles’ methodically clawed their way back and then held on late for a 21-14 victory against Park Hill on Friday. It took two goal-line stands to secure the win, but Liberty North (3-2) picked up its third consecutive victory and gained even more momentum entering the second half of the regular season.
“The way these kids came out fighting in the second half, like we told them, ‘We’re going to go out, play defense, get the ball and go score, and it was going to be a new game,” Liberty North coach Greg Jones said.
Both defenses set the tone during a slow first half, but Park Hill (2-4) kicked things into overdrive right before halftime. Junior PJ Caldwell put the Trojans in front with a tackle-breaking touchdown catch, and then senior Jaylin Noel – an Iowa State commit – delivered a highlight reel catch on the final play before halftime.
With two seconds left of the clock, senior Anthony Hall threw a Hail Mary into a crowded end zone, and Noel rose above everyone to come down with the ball. His spectacular touchdown catch gave Park Hill a 14-3 lead going into the break.
“He did a great job of making plays when it came down to it,” Park Hill coach Josh Hood said. “It was awesome to watch. It’s fun to watch those guys compete, and he competes at a high level.”
Liberty North never lost its composure, though, and got back on track during the third quarter. The Eagles’ defense forced two three-and-outs and continued to find success in the running game, led by senior Zac Willingham-Davis.
The Eagles scored on three consecutive drives to open the second half and took back the lead on Willingham-Davis’ 54-yard touchdown run. Despite the deficit, the senior standout said the team was confident in its ability to rally back thanks to a running game that rolled up 232 yards on the ground.
“That was our mind coming out of the second half was just stay calm and do what we do, and we’ll be all right,” Willingham-Davis said.
Still, Park Hill roared right back and drove into the red zone twice in the final few minutes. The first scoring chance ended when Liberty North’s Ian Bollinger snagged an interception in the end zone, and the final chance was even more dramatic.
On fourth down, Hall connected with Noel on a pass near the goal line, but he was stopped just short on the 2-yard line, which allowed Liberty North to take possession and run out the clock.
“Our defense will be able to build off of that, just the confidence level,” said Jones, whose defense posted a shutout in the second half. “They’ve got playmakers all over the place. … And our kids did a great job. I’m proud of them.
“A little rough on the heart, but a good win.”
One of the top receivers in the metro area, Noel put together another huge game with 118 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions, while Caldwell also racked up 84 yards on eight catches. Hall threw for 279 yards and two scores, and Nathan Walls led the Trojans with 40 rushing yards.
In a contrast of offensive styles, Willingham-Davis paced the Eagles with 168 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, while Cayden Arzola also scored a touchdown and ran for 33 yards. Joe Kroenke continued his efficient season by going 7-for-8 for 51 yards in the passing game to go with 21 yards on the ground.
Hood said the loss was frustrating, considering the close calls at the end. But he believes the Trojans’ performance proves that they can stand toe-to-toe with any team in its class and looks forward to making more progress as the postseason approaches.
“We can play with any of these guys. We’re not scared of any of these guys in playoff time,” Hood said. “We had a hiccup there, we had a little down spot there in the third quarter where we made a few mistakes.
“But in the fourth quarter, we were excited about the way the guys played with grit. I thought they did a pretty good job of stopping a pretty potent offense and gave us a chance to win the game.”
