Liberty High School’s football team, known for putting up triple digits in rushing per game, was held to 73 total yards on the ground in its 27-7 loss last Friday at Westover High School in Albany.
The loss ended Liberty’s season with an 8-3 record.
The Patriots held Trentice Williams to 30 yards, which was his lowest rushing total in a game this season. Seventeen of those yards came on one play as the Panthers’ ground game, which totaled 28 touchdowns and 2,705 yards in the regular season, couldn’t get going.
Panther quarterback Jordan Waters went 9-of-17 passing for 115 yards, but also threw two interceptions and no touchdowns. Freddie McSwain was on the receiving end of a 34-yard pass.
The Panthers one touchdown came from senior standout Raekwon McMillan, who returned an interception 24 yards for a touchdown. McMillan also had a sack for a loss of eight yards and tallied seven total tackles in his final game as a Panther. Freshman Richard LeCounte led the defense with 10 total tackles in the game.
In addition to the rushing game, the Panthers threw for 10 touchdowns and 1,101 yards en route to 4,905 all-purpose yards.
The Panthers also produced several players who now are getting looks by recruiters and scouts thanks, in part, to McMillan’s exposure as one of the nation’s top recruits. He is expected to announce his college next month. His final five schools are, in no order, Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and Ohio State.
Senior linebacker/receiver Jeremy Caldwell-Fabregas had 11 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns and tallied three pancake blocks, 248 all-purpose yards and 107 total tackles, including 20 for loss of yards. According to 247sports.com, Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee State and Ole Miss have expressed interest in the all-around athlete.
LeCounte shined in all facets this season. He had 192 yards on 21 carries, 203 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions, made 99 total tackles, including four for loss of yards, netted five interceptions and returned 17 kickoffs for 419 yards. LeCounte’s year earned him a nod for the first Under Armour All-American Freshman Game, as well as offers from Akron, Alabama, Cincinnati, Clemson, Florida and Ohio State. Sophomore Jacari Roberts is drawing attention after 91 yards and five touchdowns on 14 carries on offense and 40 total tackles, three sacks and one fumble recovery on defense.
Senior running back Trentice Williams had a breakout year after missing much of last season with an ankle injury. He had nine rushing touchdowns and 919 rushing yards on 146 carries and caught 13 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown.
A sophomore earning looks is Jacquez Williams. He tallied 16 receptions for 290 yards and one touchdown, rushed for 251 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries and had 12 total tackles. Junior JaMarcus Latson is not far behind with 30 carries for 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Several players are expected to pick up next year where this season’s team left off.