This football season has been a rollercoaster ride for Liberty’s team. They faced tough opponents and battled through injuries, but Coach Rich Muraco believes that the challenges they faced have prepared them for success. Despite their 3-5 record, the Patriots secured a dominant 40-7 victory over Foothill, marking their second consecutive win. This sets the stage for an exciting showdown with Arbor View, the No. 2 team in the 5A rankings.
Liberty has a chance to secure the No. 3 playoff seed, positioning themselves away from powerhouse Bishop Gorman until the state title game. The upcoming game against Arbor View will be crucial for both teams, as they have a history of competing for supremacy in the state. Liberty has won their last five matchups against Arbor View, but this season presents a new challenge as Arbor View boasts a strong offense.
Quarterback Elijah Espinoza and running back Ezra Sanelivi have been standout players for Liberty, leading the team to recent victories. Espinoza, who missed several games due to injury, has shown great leadership and decision-making on the field. Sanelivi has become a reliable force in the team’s offense, scoring three touchdowns in the last game.
In the 4A division, Mojave is gearing up for a crucial matchup against Losee for the league title. Mojave’s defense, which had an impressive five-game shutout streak, faced a setback in their recent win against Cimarron-Memorial. However, Coach Wes Pacheco sees this as an opportunity for the team to refocus and prepare for the challenge ahead. Senior AJ Tuitele has been a standout player for Mojave, receiving FBS offers from multiple colleges.
Looking ahead to next week’s games, there are several exciting matchups to watch. Virgin Valley will face off against Moapa Valley in the “Hammer Game,” with the winner likely securing the 3A Southern League title. Additionally, Las Vegas High will take on Centennial in a key 5A Division III Southern League matchup, while Faith Lutheran looks to maintain their top seed in the 5A Division II Southern League playoffs.
As the regular season comes to a close, teams are vying for playoff spots and positioning. Each game becomes increasingly important as teams look to make a final push towards a championship. Stay tuned for more exciting football action as the season reaches its climax.
