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+---- Thread: *S25 Liberty Game Balls (/showthread.php?tid=27288)
*S25 Liberty Game Balls - Jimi64 - 11-11-2020
This season for the Liberty was an exciting one. We saw much improvement from last season, and I enjoyed being a part of a fresh rookie class that included a group of absolute studs. This team has continued to show fight and perseverance throughout the whole season. As we unfortunately will not be playing in the postseason this time, we will instead be celebrating our best memories of this past season before we begin working to prepare for the next. With that being said, here are the players who earned game balls in our wins this past season:
Liberty Week 2 Game Balls
Offense
Jake Fencik -- K
3/3 XP’s, 3/3 field goals (47, 34, and 32 yards)
The rookie kicker proved himself to be a valuable asset to the Liberty in just his second game. In such a close, high scoring game, every kick he attempted would prove to be vital, and he made them all. He aced all three extra points as well as all three of his field goals. The last one would prove to be the most vital. With 29 seconds left in the game, Fencik nailed a 32 yard kick that put the Liberty up by 3 points, and they would hold onto this lead for the win. If you didn’t think kickers were people before, you definitely should now. This won’t be the last clutch kick Fencik makes for the Liberty.
Defense
Brandon Booker – CB
5 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 2 interceptions
The newly appointed defensive team captain took initiative and forced some critical turnovers in a game where the defense needed some serious help in slowing down the Austin attack. Booker ended the game with five tackles, two passes defended, and two interceptions, proving himself to be quite the shutdown corner. The first interception came late in the third quarter and led to a Liberty field goal which tied the game at 20 points apiece. The second one came when Austin was 1st and goal at the Liberty 4 yard line. With the Liberty already down 7, another touchdown would have left just 10 minutes to mount a difficult comeback. Booker not only picked off the ball at the one yard line, but he was also able to return it 94 yards, putting the Liberty in an easy position to score a touchdown and tie the game once again. Booker’s play were key in the Liberty stealing this win away.
Liberty Week 3 Game Balls
Offense
Brock Pheonix – QB
18/34 for 210 yards, 11 rushes for 70 yards
In a game in which the offense seemed out of sync early, Pheonix put it on himself to use both his arm and legs to move the ball down the field. Although not getting in the endzone himself, he completed passes to seven different receivers for 210 yards and also led the team in rushing with 70 yards on 11 attempts. The Liberty had gone down 14 points in the second quarter, but Pheonix’s performance showed great resilience on the field that inspired the rest of his team, and they moved the ball down the field with ease from that point onward, outlasting Sarasota in this shootout.
Defense
Jeremiah Zelos -- LB
11 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, 1 interception and 1 defensive touchdown
Zelos was all over the field for this matchup against Sarasota, and the result was a filled stat sheet. Zelos recorded 11 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. After Sarasota’s fast start, Zelos was able to calm down the rattled defense, and exhibited through his play that they had the capability of slowing down or stopping the Sailfish assault. The pick six came at a very key time late in the second. The Liberty had just cut the deficit to seven points from being down fourteen, and when Zelos acrobatically intercepted the pass and stiff armed Dexter Banks II to the ground on the return, the sideline exploded in excitement. This win would’ve never happened without this performance from Zelos.
Liberty Week 7 Game Balls
Offense
Sam Torenson – RB
19 rushes for 98 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, 3 receptions for 10 yards, 1 pancake
Only one touchdown was scored across both teams in this match against Chicago, and in this slow, hard-fought win, the team relied on Sam Torenson to fight for much needed yardage. Torenson recorded season highs in rushing attempts (19), yards (98), and average yards per carry (5.2). This consistent success on the ground is representative of Torenson’s continued passion for victory and is why he remains a key player in the Liberty offense.
Defense
Honky-Tonk Haywood – DT
5 tackles, 2 sacks
There were a few standout performances on defense against the Butchers, but Haywood’s 5 tackles and 2 sacks were especially clutch when the defense most needed stops. The Butchers had just cut the Liberty’s lead to one point, and with the offense quickly forced to punt, Chicago started their drive favorably at their own 39 yard line with about 10 minutes left in the game. After two plays of minimal yardage, Haywood broke through the line on 3rd and 8 and recorded his first sack. The Liberty were able to manage a field goal on their next drive, but the win was still in doubt. With about two minutes left, on first down at Philadelphia’s 42 yard line, Haywood overpowered his matchup and chased down the quarterback for a 7 yard loss. Chicago was forced to call their second timeout, and this ultimately slowed down their offense enough to secure the win. Plays like these ensure that the Liberty have a star in the making on the defensive line.
Liberty Week 9 Game Balls
Offense
Brock Pheonix -- QB
23/40 for 329 yards and 3 TD's
7 rushes for 62 yards
Pheonix put the team on his back for this one. He recorded 391 total yards for those keeping track at home, and his three touchdowns were crucial for outscoring the Silverbacks offense in this away win. Even being sacked 4 times could not contain Pheonix's rocket arm from making big play after big play. This isn't the first stellar performance he has had this season, and with this win he has earned his second game ball. These types of stats aren't surprising to see for Pheonix, as we all know the talents the veteran possesses, and Philadelphia looks forward to seeing more of his stellar play through the rest of this season and in his career. Carry us!
Defense
Brandon Booker – CB
4 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 interception, and an onside kick recovery
Though other players might have racked up more tackles in this high scoring game, Booker was able to make some clutch plays down the stretch for the Liberty. Quarterbacks usually know better than to throw Booker’s way, and he proved why with his interception that came when the Liberty were holding onto just a 2 point lead. This was a crucial stop that allowed the Liberty to later build on their lead and secure the win. In addition, in the final moments of the game, after the Silverbacks had scored to make it a one possession game, Booker was the one to risk his body and dive into the ball during New York’s onside kick, guaranteeing the win. This is Booker’s second game ball, and he continuously proves that he is a leader and inspiration for the rest of the Liberty defense.
Liberty Week 12 Game Balls
Offense:
Flash Panda -- WR
7 catches for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns
65 yard punt return for a touchdown
It's about time a wide receiver got a game ball! This panda had a nose for the end zone like it was bamboo. Juni accounted for 3 of the 4 touchdowns for the Liberty (and he was only 3 yards shy of the fourth)! With 2 of them being catches and one being a punt return, Flash Panda showed that he is a multifaceted speedy threat that can punish teams whenever the balls comes his way. He sparked the fire on offense that led to this high scoring win at home. The next time Philly plays the Wraiths, I guarantee the only gameplan that Yellowknife will have is "Contain the Panda!"
Defense:
Matt "Son of Havoc" Cross -- S
3 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception
After this game from Cross the ISFL stopped him while leaving the locker room and tested him for PEDs. He was just that good. Time after time he made key plays that not only stopped Yellowknife but also demoralized them. The 2 sacks and interception changed the entire offensive strategy that the Wraiths entered the game with. Cross was on fire, and they needed to do whatever they could to keep the ball from going towards him. It wouldn't prove to be enough, as Cross's plays and leadership brought the Liberty their fifth win.
Liberty Week 13 Game Balls
Offense:
Brock Pheonix -- QB
32/54 for 377 yards and 2 touchdowns
A great lot was asked of Pheonix in this overtime win against Baltimore. He recorded season highs in passing attempts (54) and yards (377). This will be Pheonix's third game ball this season, and this is just one of many examples of him playing like a superstar. His determination was shown when the Liberty received the ball first in overtime. He gathered the players in the huddle and simply said "It's over." His teammates had no clue what play they were supposed to run, but it didn't matter. Pheonix marched them all the way down to win the game with absolute ease.
Defense:
Wesley Eriksen -- S
3 tackles, 2 sacks
Though Eriksen spent most of his time in coverage, keeping the Hawks from even throwing near him, but on the few moments the coaches took off his leash and let him charge the quarterback, he took advantage. His second sack would be his most crucial for setting up the win for the Liberty. Philly had just tied up the game, but the Hawks were moving the ball with not much time left in the fourth. That's when Eriksen was sent on a risky blitz that leveled Fujiwara, stalling the drive enough to keep Baltimore from scoring and send the game to overtime, which would result in a thrilling Liberty victory.
Liberty Week 15 Game Balls
Offense:
Flash Panda – WR
4 Catches for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns
4 punt returns for 75 total yards; 3 kick returns for 55 total yards
Flash Panda may have not has many yards as his partner in crime Randy Vuxta, but he took advantage of the opportunities presented to him when he did touch the ball. After all, half his catches were for touchdowns. Having a reliable receiver that is able to beat his man in the endzone greatly improves the redzone efficiency of the Liberty’s offense, and his scores were critical for keeping up the Berlin’s offense. Not only was he Pheonix’s favorite target in the redzone, he also showed his prowess with his return skills. This was exemplified in the most clutch way possible in overtime. He returned a Berlin punt 58 yards to their one yard line, setting up an easy score to end the game and secure the 7th win for the Liberty this season.
Defense:
Matt “Son of Havoc” Cross – S
10 tackles and 1 sack
Cross showed high energy and passion in this win against the Fire Salamanders. He had a keen awareness for wherever the ball would be headed on any given play, and he always seemed to be able to find the ball carrier and take them down with ease. His speed was on show as he was able to cross the field rapidly to stuff runs and lay big hits on receivers. His most importantly play came in overtime. With Berlin facing third down and only needing a field goal to win the game, Cross blew by Berlin’s offensive line and was on top of the quarterback before anyone realized what had happened. This play forced the Fire Salamanders into what would be the punt that essentially ended the game due to Flash Panda’s fantastic return. This leader and playmaker for Philadelphia always seems to be there when the team needs him most.
Congratulations to the Liberty game ball winners for Season 25!
RE: *S25 Liberty Game Balls - Briedaqueduc - 11-12-2020
