Liberty Bell quarterback Tanner White looked downfield for a receiver in the game against Soap Lake.
Big plays by Soap Lake and an inconsistent offense stymied the Liberty Bell High School football team last Friday (Oct. 5) in a 34 – 8 loss to the visiting Eagles.
It was the first of four consecutive home games for the Mountain Lions, who played their first five games on the road. The loss to Soap Lake leaves Liberty Bell with a 1 – 5 record for the season.
“No excuses, we were out-finessed by Soap Lake,” Liberty Bell head coach Bob Bucsko said. “Our players gave everything to stay in the game but our pass blocking and tackling on defense must improve if we are to win another game.”
The Eagles scored eight minutes into the first quarter, then added two touchdowns in the second quarter for a 20 – 0 lead at the half. Soap Lake added scores in the third and fourth quarters and led 34 – 0 before the Mountain Lions mounted a late drive that culminated in a 33-yard touchdown pass from Tanner White to Brady Moriarty with just under five minutes left in the game. Bodie Paul ran in a two-point conversion for Liberty Bell.
The Mountain Lions’ running game did not fare as well as usual. Paul gained 50 yards on eight carries, but no other runner netted more than 7 yards on the ground.
White was 10 for 17 passing for 113 yards, with one interception to go with the touchdown pass. Moriarty and Tyler Darwood each had four receptions; Alex Whites and Cole Rhoades had one each. Magnus Treise returned a Soap Lake kickoff 41 yards.
Liberty Bell registered five first downs, netted 180 yards of total offense and had three penalties for 30 yards. Soap Lake, led by Klay Northrup’s 11 – 23 passing for 170 yards and one touchdown, and Joey Babak’s 101 yards on the ground, generated 322 yards of total offense and totaled 15 first downs.
Bucsko said Tyler Darwood was the Mountain Lions’ Player of the Week. “Tyler is always working to improve his skills on offense and defense,” the coach said. “This Friday night against all odds he was instrumental in stopping the opponents on several occasions. Offensively he is a true threat when we have time to throw the ball to him and consistently gets his blocks. He never gives up even when the going gets tough. A true big team player and tough competitor.”
It was senior night for Liberty Bell. Recognized were Tanner White, Cole Rhoades, Brayden White, Alex Garcia, Vincent Schnoor and Brady Moriarty.
The Mountain Lions will host West Seattle on Saturday (Oct. 13), kicking off at 3 p.m. The annual homecoming game on Oct. 19 will see Tonasket visiting Mountain Lion Stadium, with kickoff at 7 p.m. Liberty Bell ends the seasons with a home game against Manson on Oct. 26, also kicking off at 7 p.m.
Soap Lake 34, Liberty Bell 8
Soap Lake 6 14 8 6 34
Liberty Bell 0 0 0 8 8
