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Complete Box Score and Play by Play

When the pressure was on, Liberty kept its composure and delivered when it mattered most.

In a battle of undefeated teams, the Blue Jays (4-0) fended off a late rally from Lee’s Summit West on the way to a 38-20 victory. Liberty scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including two from running back Wentric Williams III, to keep its perfect record intact.

Liberty coach Chad Frigon said he was pleased with his team’s well-rounded effort, which included three defensive takeaways and several key special teams plays.

“We were happy that the kids competed tonight,” Frigon said. “We got some takeaways, and I don’t think we had any turnovers. And that was big story of the game.

“… I’m just proud of how they come out and keep fighting every week.”

Winning the turnover battle has been a key factor in Liberty’s hot start, and it helped them jump out to an early lead against Lee’s Summit West (3-1).

After Anthony Wenson’s early touchdown catch-and-run gave them the lead, the Blue Jays forced two red zone stops in the first half to stay one step ahead of the Titans. Shortly before halftime, senior Caleb Cahill snagged a tipped pass and turned it into a 60-yard pick-six that only bolstered their confidence.

Liberty has excelled in that department with 11 total takeaways on defense this season, and Cahill said the team’s unselfish mentality has played a big role in its success.

“We were on a blitz, and the ball just happened to fall in my hands and turn in our favor,” said Cahill, who also recovered a fumble during the game. “It’s a team thing, and we’re playing together here.”

But a resilient Lee’s Summit West squad found its rhythm starting immediately after halftime. Brock Kobel returned the second-half kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, and the Titans put the pressure on thanks to fourth-quarter touchdowns from Chase Taylor and Colby Baggett.

Each time, however, Liberty managed to find an answer and never allowed Lee’s Summit West to get closer than 10 points during the fourth quarter. Williams and quarterback Luke Smith made sure of that with some clutch plays down the stretch.

Early in the fourth quarter, Smith connected with Caden Dennis for a 59-yard touchdown. And then Williams got going late, scoring his team’s final two touchdowns to finish with 183 rushing yards on 23 carries and two scores.

“Once our offensive line gets going and Wentric gets to the second level, I think we’re unstoppable,” Dennis said.

Not to be outdone, Liberty’s defense and special teams showed its own play-making ability. Ricky Ahumaraeze snagged an interception, and Curtis Morrison scooped up a fumble on a kickoff return to clinch the victory and remain unbeaten through the first four weeks.

Frigon praised the team for such a complete showing and credited Smith and the team’s numerous senior leaders, including defensive standouts Michael Quigley and Matthew Henning, for executing down the stretch.

“They’re doing better right now. There’s no doubt about it,” Frigon said. “I think a lot of that credit with the composure goes to Luke. He’s a calming presence in the huddle.

“… He has that effect of being a great leader out there. We’ve got a lot of good leaders, and it’s rubbing off on how they play.”

Smith put together another efficient performance with 206 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Wenson led the Blue Jays with 106 receiving yards.

Meanwhile, Lee’s Summit West quarterback Trysten Keeney threw for 162 yards and one touchdown, while running backs Taylor Wilson (19 carries for 94 yards) and Chase Taylor (14-78) gave the Titans a solid one-two punch in the running game. AJ Russo led the team with 64 receiving yards.