2016 Liberty Football Capsule
LIBERTY
League: Class 4A Southeast
Head coach: Rich Muraco, eighth season (72-19)
2015 record: 11-2 (4-0 Northeast League, first)
Returning lettermen: 35
Returning starters: Six offense, five defense
Base offensive set: Spread
Base defensive set: 4-3
Top offensive players: WR/RB Ethan Dedeaux (Sr.); WR Darion Acohido (Sr.); QB Kenyon Oblad (Jr.); WR Marquez Powell (Jr.); OL Malasala Aumavae-Laulu (Sr.); OL Will Brewer (Sr.)
Top defensive players: DT Chris Lappin (Jr.); S Alam Mwata (Jr.); LB Dariyen Sample (Sr.); CB Dom Turner (Sr.)
Key losses: FB/DT Alofnia Tevaseu; C Alex Epstein; WR/DB Bryan Roland; RB Stephon Stowers
Outlook: The Patriots have become the power of the valley’s east side, having won the last six Sunrise Region crowns.
Liberty has won five league titles since 2010, and twice has advanced to the state championship game, including last season when the Patriots lost 62-21 to Bishop Gorman.
Liberty generally shows multiple formations, from spread to a two tight end, three running back set.
But with the talent the team has at receiver and quarterback, the Patriots may not look to pound the ball as much this season.
Dedeaux is a dynamic playmaker who has committed to play at San Diego State. He caught 37 passes for 809 yards and 11 TDS, and also rushed for 237 yards and four scores last season.
Acohido also put up big numbers last season, catching a team-high 57 balls for 824 yards and six TDs. They’re joined by Green Valley transfer Powell (46 catches, 593 yards, 8 TDs), giving quarterback Oblad plenty of options.
Oblad is back for a third season at quarterback, and he showed big improvements as a sophomore. He completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 3,106 yards and 34 TDs.
The massive Aumavae-Laulu should offer protection in the passing game and also can open up huge holes for running backs.
The team must replace Stowers, who led the Patriots with 847 rushing yards and 10 TDs. But he didn’t take over as the team’s featured back until well into the season, and the Patriots never skipped a beat as various backs took their turn.
The defense lost some key cogs, but even if Liberty has trouble on that side of the ball, the offense should be enough to push for another region crown.
