The Liberty High football team may have lost its season opener by three touchdowns Friday at St. John Bosco of California.
But overshadowed in a 42-22 defeat to the defending national champions was a solid performance by the Patriots, who led in the second quarter and had a 10 minute scoring drive in the second half.
Aside from giving up some big plays on defense, coach Rich Muraco “was happy with the way we played.”
St. John Bosco scored on the initial series of the game, but Jayden Robertson returned the ensuing kickoff about 85 yards, and Liberty took an 8-7 lead on an Isaiah Lauofo touchdown run and 2-point conversion.
Liberty then added a safety for a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. But St. John Bosco scored three unanswered touchdowns to take the lead for good, including a touchdown seconds before halftime.
Peyton Caldwell had a kickoff return for a touchdown for Liberty, and Tyrese Smith hooked up with Jae Beasley for a touchdown pass.