Liberty High football players Tyus Toomalatai, Kaimi Batoon, Calvin Tubbs, and Nick Tapuala before the 2015 Season.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 | 11:59 p.m.
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The Liberty High football team’s offense has proven to be tough to slow down — especially when playing at home.
The Patriots got three touchdown passes Friday from sophomore quarterback Kenyon Oblad against visiting Las Vegas in the regular season finale, scoring more than 50 points in a fourth straight home game for a 54-14 win to secure the Northeast League title.
Liberty is averaging 64 points per game at home, capitalizing on Oblad’s comfort level in executing their run-pass option attack. Liberty coaches have attended coaching clinics at Baylor and Ole Miss over the past two years, learning the high-paced — and high-scoring — attack.
Depending on the way the defense is lined up, Oblad determines the play.
“He’s such a smart quarterback,” Liberty coach Rich Muraco said. “He’s able to make the right read. Things have slowed down so much for him. He has playmakers around him. You can’t key on one guy anymore.”
Liberty opens the Sunrise Regional playoffs next week against visiting Coronado aiming for a sixth straight crown. In the early part of the dynasty, Liberty was able to win games with its power rushing attack because it had bigger and more physical linemen.
This year’s team is different. And it might be Liberty’s best.
“I believe it is our best team,” Muraco said. “I don’t know if it necessarily is the team with the best player. We don’t have a Kai Nacua (BYU) or Noah Jefferson (USC). But (players) 1-50, I have never had a team with as much talent.”
USA Today seems to agree with Muraco. Two weeks ago, it ranked the Patriots No. 10 in one of its regional rankings.
Bryan Roland had four catches and a 24-year touchdown for Liberty, and Ethan Dedeaux also had a touchdown reception. Marquell James had three touchdowns for the Patriots, and Stephon Stowers had nearly 100 yards and a touchdown.
If the run-pass option isn’t working, Liberty is confident it will still score points and win games.
“If that stuff isn’t working, we’ll go into our heavy sets,” Muraco said. “Not many teams can match our size.”
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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