The Skyridge football team prevailed with a decisive 41-26 victory over the top-ranked Liberty High School Patriots on Friday night (August 23) in Las Vegas.
After a scoreless first quarter, Skyridge came into its own in the second quarter, with the Falcons scoring 21 points in the period.
They got on the scoreboard with a 12-yard run into the end zone by senior running back Zaeden Selu and a 69-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne to senior receiver Junior Coughlin.
The Patriots responded with 14 points in less than five minutes. Skyridge extended its lead late in the second quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run by senior receiver Josh Hansen, making the score 21-14 at halftime.
“We started off slow offensively, but then we got into it,” said Skyridge head coach Justin Hemm. “I think we distributed the ball well and made it difficult with our multi-dimensionality.”
Despite some mistakes on offense, the Falcons defense held the Liberty offense in check throughout the game, limiting the Patriots to 12 points in the second half.
Hemm said: “I thought the defense played good football overall. They limited big plays and made it difficult for the opponent. They are developing an identity and trusting each other more and more. It was a great team effort.”
“The offensive and defensive lines are stepping up and setting the tone for our team. They’re a great group of guys and we count on them to lead,” Hemm added.
Skyridge’s offense continually pressured the Patriots, scoring 20 points in the second half, including another touchdown run by Selu and two touchdown passes from Sweetwyne to veteran receivers Jaxon Burt and Josh Hansen.
Veteran kicker Blake Hester converted five of six PATS to secure the win outside the region.
“We will attack again on Monday and continue to improve,” said Hemm. “There are many areas we can work on as a football team to become more consistent. We are proud of our preparation and will refocus and focus on another great team that will be playing in home games for the first time.”
The Skyridge Falcons will play at home against Cherry Creek, Colorado on Friday (August 30th), kicking off at 7 p.m.
