Jason JewellThis game looked to be all Centennial at halftime. The Coyotes led 13-0 after two Xavier Rojas field goals and a 59-yard Zidane Thomas touchdown run, while Liberty managed two turnovers, two punts and a turnover on downs.
Things got exciting in the second half.
Liberty got on the board at the end of the 3rd quarter after defensive end Braxten Croteau intercepted Ruben Beltran and raced in for a score. It was 13-7 ‘Yotes heading into the fourth.
Centennial answered quickly. Senior Alex Escobar rumbled in for a score from 43 yards out. PAT was blocked. Coyotes led 19-7.
With just under three minutes to play, Liberty scored on a Ryan Bendle to Dylen Bieber TD pass.
Centennial returned the kickoff for a score but it was called back and pinned the Coyotes at their own 5 yard line with 2:36 remaining in the game.
Then the unthinkable happened, Centennial fumbled the ball.
Liberty got the ball at Centennial’s 25 yard-line with 46 seconds left in the game.
Sacks by Jacob Franklin and Christian Gomez looked to seal the victory for Centennial but a personal foul gave Liberty life.
On 4th down, Bendle hit Ryan Tremble for a 1st down and Liberty was able to spike the ball and stop the clock.
With five seconds left and the ball at the five yard-line, Bendle hit tight end Alec Moonier for the game winning score.
Final: Liberty 21 Centennial 19
Liberty Lions your 2017 5A Northwest region CHAMPIONS!!!!
— LibertyLionsFootball (@LibertyFBLions) October 28, 2017
Bottomline
This was one of the best games I have seen ever. What a wild finish!
That was one of the best games I have seen in a long time
— Jason Jewell (@jason247scout) October 28, 2017
Game Balls
Has to go to Bendle and Moonier.
