Liberty Blue Jays beat Park Hill High to reach Missouri football state semifinals
The Liberty Blue Jays are headed to the final four for Missouri high school football.
Liberty on Saturday afternoon outlasted Park Hill 30-13, advancing to the state Class 6 semifinals.
Liberty’s quarterfinal-round victory over the Trojans earns the Blue Jays (9-3) the program’s first semifinal appearance since 1997 — not to mention a measure of revenge for a previous loss (more about that in a moment).
The Trojans scored first Saturday with a beautiful 65-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Zane Thomas to streaking senior wideout Landon Julson midway through the opening quarter.
The teams were separated by no more than seven points through most of the first three quarters. But then Liberty’s running game and defense took over.
“We started 13 sophomores last year and they had some growing pains,” Liberty coach Chad Frigon said. “I’m so proud of them and how they are coming together, playing within our system and believing in each other.”
Liberty scored its touchdowns on the ground exclusively Saturday: Senior running back Jaxon Hicks found the end zone twice, junior quarterback Connor Hatfield and junior running back Colt Nolin once apiece.
Liberty’s victory avenges a 21-17 homecoming game loss to the Trojans on Oct. 4.
With Liberty holding a 16-13 halftime lead in this one, Hicks scooted 12 yards to the end zone for a 23-13 cushion with 9:19 left. Hicks finished with 271 rushing yards on Saturday, boosting his season total to 2,539.
Liberty rushed for a whopping 388 yards while gaining 425 overall against Park Hill — while also holding the Trojans to 1 total rushing yard.
It was a similarly good day for Blue Jays kicker Tegan Turner, who made a couple of field goals. Park Hill’s Lincoln Dwiggins hit a 45-yard field goal of his own to give the Trojans a 16-10 lead at halftime.
The Blue Jays next face De Smet Jesuit, a 28-14 winner Saturday over Rock Bridge of Columbia, in the state Class 6 semifinals at 1 p.m. next Saturday, Nov. 30.
The other Class 6 semifinal features Nixa, a 21-20 winner Friday over Lee’s Summit North, versus Kirkwood. That game, in Nixa, is also scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m.
For stats, recaps, online broadcasts and more, visit 810Varsity.com.
This story was originally published November 23, 2024 at 3:47 PM.