Eagles can’t upset Liberty

Covenant came up just short of handing defending state champion Liberty Christian Academy its first defeat in over two seasons, holding the Bulldogs in check for three quarters. But LCA eventually prevailed 21-0, lifted by a pair of fourth quarter scores.
Liberty’s last loss was in the 2006 state playoffs to Christchurch. The Bulldogs have won the state title three of the last four seasons (VIC Division II in 2004 and 2005, Division I in 2007). To give the Bulldogs a real run for their money was very important to Covenant coach Mark Sanford, because he knows that the Eagles’ effort against a powerhouse team will boost the team’s confidence and pay off throughout the duration of the season.
“[Liberty]’s definitely the best team in the state, they’re a quality football team,” Sanford said. “Our guys have nothing to be ashamed of, and I could not be prouder of the way they fought. A few breaks here and there, and it could’ve been a very different ballgame.
“We told our kids that if there was ever any doubt that they could play with anybody, today should dispel that.”
Liberty (4-0) was moving the ball well on their first possession, but sophomore running back Corey Harrington coughed the ball up in the red zone and Covenant’s Luke Heinsohn pounced on the ball at the 14-yard line.
After a Covenant three-and-out, Liberty again penetrated deep into Eagle territory, but quarterback Michael Rocco fumbled the snap at the 10. Rocco made up for his mistake by intercepting Covenant’s Lee Coppock on the ensuing possession. On the very next play, the Bulldogs fumbled again, this time at their own 39, and Covenant freshman Samuel Patterson recovered.
The Eagles settled for a 39-yard Andy Colberg field goal attempt that was blocked. Two plays later Heinsohn picked off Rocco at the Eagles’ 29-yard line. On Liberty’s next possession, the Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs.
“We talk a lot about creating turnovers, that’s a big deal to us,” Sanford said. “We preach that every week, every day at practice.”
Covenant had plenty of chances to capitalize on Liberty’s miscues but shot themselves in the foot on numerous occasions. Coppock again threw a pick and LCA began its drive on the Eagles’ 35. On a second down from the 22, Rocco found a receiver at the goal line, but Heinsohn delivered a huge blow and the ball was dropped, setting up a big third down play with just over a minute to play in the half.
On the third down, Rocco hooked up with receiver Scott Hyland for a touchdown, and the Bulldogs took a hard-fought 7-0 lead into the locker room.
The Eagles hung tough throughout the third quarter. With about 10 minutes left in the game, Covenant punted, and Liberty’s return man appeared to have lost the ball following a big hit deep in its own territory.
Covenant’s Alex McGinnis recovered the ball at the Liberty 23, and it looked as though the Eagles would have a good chance to tie, but the officials called a punt return interference call against Covenant, giving the Bulldogs possession.
Rocco took advantage quickly, connecting with senior receiver Patrick Kelly twice for a total of 41 yards, and Harrington then ran it in from eight yards out to extend the lead to 14 with 9:26 to go. Harrington filled in well for injured starter Desmond Rice, as he finished the game with 117 yards on 10 carries.
Heinsohn was again the workhorse for the Eagles’ offense, as he carried the ball 36 times for 199 yards, just three yards off his season high.
“[Heinsohn]’s our horse and we’re going to ride him,” Sanford said of the 6-foot, 200-pound senior. “He’s a special player, he’s a warrior, he wants to be out there the whole game, and sometimes I have to yank him out just to give him a break. He’s just that kind of kid, he’s a great leader and the heart of our team.”
Covenant had one last opportunity to get back into the contest, and facing a fourth-and-1, an exhausted Heinsohn was stopped in the backfield for a loss.
Liberty capitalized as Rocco again hit Hyland from 14 yards out to put the Bulldogs up three scores with 5:31 to go.
“In four years and four games, this was our 50th win today, and that’s very special,” Liberty head coach Frank Rocco said. “In those 50 or so games, I don’t remember us ever having four turnovers. It was a little bit sloppy in the beginning, but we took care of business.”
The Eagles (2-2) hope to rebound from Friday’s loss as they will travel to Blue Ridge on Thursday at
4:30 p.m.