Close Win for Liberty over Otters in Philadelphia
By Phil E. Chezestake
After defeating the Las Vegas Legion in week 11, the Liberty have won four of their last five games and were looking to continue the string of great play against the visiting Orange County Otters in week 12. This was a close fought game as expected since the Otters are currently second in the ASFC division. It was a crucial touchdown in the middle 4th quarter that gave the Liberty hope and it came down to the wire as kicker Stephen Harris came through in the clutch with a 48 yard field goal to win the game in the final seconds. This was quite the back and forth battle that kept Liberty fans anxious the entire time, but the Liberty were able to ring the victory bell at home in the end. This puts the Liberty 1 game away from securing a playoff spot against the Baltimore Hawks in the NSFC.
What Went Well?
Clifford Rove had his best offensive game this season. With 32/58 completions/attempts for a total of 356 yards with 1 touchdown. Despite the interception in the second quarter and an overall passer rating of 72.2, Rove ended the game setting several team records including passing completions and passing yards. The offense did struggle against the intimidating Otters defense and Rove could only manage 1 touchdown this game, but it was enough to seal the deal. This was one of the few games where the Liberty offensive line did not allow any sacks at all which is impressive given the difficulties they’ve had all year.
Kicker Stephen Harris kept the Liberty drives alive as the offense struggled in the red zone. Harris ended the game with 4 field goals which kept the Liberty ahead until the Otters got their second touchdown in the third quarter. Harris is one of the league’s premier kickers and a vital part of the Liberty offense this season. Without Harris’ final 48 yard field goal, this game and playoff hopes would have ended quite differently for the Liberty.
The Liberty defense could not be tamed this game as William Ridley and Mark Ramrio had their way with the Otters quarterback Mike Boss. Both players managed to get 3 sacks each. A.C. Hackett and Luke Washington managed one sack each as well. The Otters struggled to stay on the field this game and the Liberty defense can be blamed for only 23 minutes of possession. Tyler Oles had a stellar game as well with 3 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 interception late in the third quarter.
Special mention to rookie Budda Browning (@Rindiee), who scored his first career touchdown this game. It happened to be the only touchdown for the Liberty so the significance of this catch was magnified. The young rookie continues to develop into an adept speed receiver that the Liberty wide receiver corps will benefit from for years to come.
What Didn’t Go Well?
The Liberty offense really struggled against the Otters defense. They only managed to get to the red zone five times this game with all but one drive resulting in a touchdown. The Otters defense had great coverage as evidenced by the Ragnar Kronen interception return and 3 total pass deflections by the Otters. The Liberty could only get close enough for Stephen Harris to score field goals and struggled to make it into the end zone.
Liberty Impact Player of the Game
This week’s Liberty Impact Player of the Game goes to Paul DiMirio (@124715) again for the second week in a row. DiMirio had an exceptional game against the Otters and this was easily his best game as Liberty tight end. Not only did he have the most receptions of anyone on the offensive squad with 12 receptions and 120 yards, he also managed to get more pancakes than anyone on the offensive line with 5 at the end of the game. With 12 receptions, DiMirio is now the Liberty team leader in catches for a single game. DiMirio is the ultimate offensive hybrid player and is the niche player that the Liberty team need to make it to the playoffs.
Next Game
At home against the Colorado Yeti in Taco Bell Stadium
GRADED
By Phil E. Chezestake
After defeating the Las Vegas Legion in week 11, the Liberty have won four of their last five games and were looking to continue the string of great play against the visiting Orange County Otters in week 12. This was a close fought game as expected since the Otters are currently second in the ASFC division. It was a crucial touchdown in the middle 4th quarter that gave the Liberty hope and it came down to the wire as kicker Stephen Harris came through in the clutch with a 48 yard field goal to win the game in the final seconds. This was quite the back and forth battle that kept Liberty fans anxious the entire time, but the Liberty were able to ring the victory bell at home in the end. This puts the Liberty 1 game away from securing a playoff spot against the Baltimore Hawks in the NSFC.
What Went Well?
Clifford Rove had his best offensive game this season. With 32/58 completions/attempts for a total of 356 yards with 1 touchdown. Despite the interception in the second quarter and an overall passer rating of 72.2, Rove ended the game setting several team records including passing completions and passing yards. The offense did struggle against the intimidating Otters defense and Rove could only manage 1 touchdown this game, but it was enough to seal the deal. This was one of the few games where the Liberty offensive line did not allow any sacks at all which is impressive given the difficulties they’ve had all year.
Kicker Stephen Harris kept the Liberty drives alive as the offense struggled in the red zone. Harris ended the game with 4 field goals which kept the Liberty ahead until the Otters got their second touchdown in the third quarter. Harris is one of the league’s premier kickers and a vital part of the Liberty offense this season. Without Harris’ final 48 yard field goal, this game and playoff hopes would have ended quite differently for the Liberty.
The Liberty defense could not be tamed this game as William Ridley and Mark Ramrio had their way with the Otters quarterback Mike Boss. Both players managed to get 3 sacks each. A.C. Hackett and Luke Washington managed one sack each as well. The Otters struggled to stay on the field this game and the Liberty defense can be blamed for only 23 minutes of possession. Tyler Oles had a stellar game as well with 3 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 interception late in the third quarter.
Special mention to rookie Budda Browning (@Rindiee), who scored his first career touchdown this game. It happened to be the only touchdown for the Liberty so the significance of this catch was magnified. The young rookie continues to develop into an adept speed receiver that the Liberty wide receiver corps will benefit from for years to come.
What Didn’t Go Well?
The Liberty offense really struggled against the Otters defense. They only managed to get to the red zone five times this game with all but one drive resulting in a touchdown. The Otters defense had great coverage as evidenced by the Ragnar Kronen interception return and 3 total pass deflections by the Otters. The Liberty could only get close enough for Stephen Harris to score field goals and struggled to make it into the end zone.
Liberty Impact Player of the Game
This week’s Liberty Impact Player of the Game goes to Paul DiMirio (@124715) again for the second week in a row. DiMirio had an exceptional game against the Otters and this was easily his best game as Liberty tight end. Not only did he have the most receptions of anyone on the offensive squad with 12 receptions and 120 yards, he also managed to get more pancakes than anyone on the offensive line with 5 at the end of the game. With 12 receptions, DiMirio is now the Liberty team leader in catches for a single game. DiMirio is the ultimate offensive hybrid player and is the niche player that the Liberty team need to make it to the playoffs.
Next Game
At home against the Colorado Yeti in Taco Bell Stadium
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GRADED