SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
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Hometown Sports
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HIGH SCHOOLS, RECREATION & SIGN-UPS
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Blocked point-after-touchdown kick secures Liberty thrilling overtime win A host of Liberty High School football players hoist the Honor Bowl trophy following the Lions’ thrilling 28-27 win over Clayton Valley Charter in overtime. The Honor Bowl was a two-week, sixgame showcase at two California sites that aimed to educate students, coaches and communities about veterans’ needs.
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Brentwood’s reigning state champion Liberty High School football team is developing a knack for keeping fans on the edge of their seats this season. That may not always be stress-free for fans, but no one’s complaining: Liberty is 3-0. A week after the Lions’ defense held off Oakdale with a late stand to pull out a 19-14 win, Liberty blocked Clayton Valley’s point after touchdown (PAT) attempt in overtime, to pull off a 28-27 win in the Honor Bowl at James Logan High School in Union City. “The boys fought and it was crazy,” said Liberty head coach Ryan Partridge. “We knew it was going to be a dog fight. We absolutely knew it.” Clayton Valley quarterback Jake Kern’s 2-yard keeper brought the Ugly Eagles (1-1) within a point in overtime, but the PAT was deflected by the Lions as it rose toward the uprights, eliciting a wild celebration on the Liberty sideline. “I just had a feeling it was going to end up like this,” Partridge said. “Not overtime, and the new rule and a special-teams win, but that was such a good football team we played, and we are pretty lucky to come out winners.” Liberty running back Darrion Bartley’s 26 carries for 110 yards sustained the Lions, scoring three of four Liberty touchdowns (a 1-yard run, a 5-yard catch and a
Photo by Tony Kukulich
35-yard punt return). But the Lions had to stave off the feisty Ugly Eagles, who bounced back from a 21-7 halftime deficit to tie the game on Makhi Gervais’ 82-yard catch and run, with 1:41 left in regulation. Bartley, however, continued to shine in overtime, rushing the ball three of four plays in the Lions’ only post-regulation series, launching himself one yard over the top of the offensive line on his third overtime carry, pushing the Lions ahead 28-21.
“You have to step up in some situations, but I really thank my line,” Bartley said. “They got me some open holes, and I just hit them.” Bartley jumpstarted the Lions with a 35-yard punt return midway through the first quarter to put the Lions up 7-0. But Gervais, who finished with 44 carries for 194 yards, answered with a 28-yard run about three minutes later, evening the score for Clayton Valley. Brenden Bell’s 1-yard run early in the
second put the Lions up 14-7, and Bartley’s toe-tap 5-yard catch in the end zone, right before halftime, increased the lead to 21-7. “It was a crazy win; a great win for us,” said Liberty quarterback Jay Butterfield, who finished 16 for 31, with 128 yards and a touchdown. “We came out and battled, and came out with the W.” Clayton Valley’s Kern had a nice game in the loss, completing nine of 15 passes see Liberty page 24
Heritage girls water polo hopes to net another title by Mason Bert Correspondent
The Heritage girls’ water polo team hopes to standout in the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL) for the third consecutive year. Surpassing new feats, the squad has started the season as reigning North Coast Section Division I champions for the first time. With a fast, athletic team, the Patriots hope to continue their success while fending off other well-rounded league opponents. “This season, we are much younger,” coach Jeff Lapum said. “Our goals are very similar to last season. We want to compete well throughout the season and carry this on into the playoffs.” With eight returning players who gained a lot of experience last season during the long playoff run, the Patriots will be led by team captains Emma Lapum, Ella Simone and Kayla Longoria, with Lapum being the only senior on the squad this year. Junior Ella Simone and Lapum were last year’s leading scorers, with junior Kayla Longoria and junior goalie Hannah Bon-
Photo by Tony Kukulich
A year after winning a North Coast Section championship, the bulk of the Heritage girls’ water polo team returns to defend its title this season. ham among other key players. Those returning players will be joined by sophomores Lily Finazzo and Eisha Pasamonte and freshmen Jordyn Davies, Elly Longoria and Amanda Muse. Heritage had a 19-8 record last sea-
son, winning all eight games against league opponents. Finally getting over the hump in the playoffs last season, the girls overcame adversity and maintained focus, taking it a game at a time, which eventually led them to the biggest accomplishment in
the history of the program: a North Coast Section title. The playoffs occurred during northern California fires last year, which caused many delays and a pause of the season. Through it all, the leadership of Maddie Bursch, Katelyn Rodrigue and Katie Schaffer (now graduated) and fellow team leaders Emma Lapum and Ella Simone held the team together to deliver the title. Approaching the 2019-20 season, the Patriots are fired up and ready to repeat success. Eyeing other league opponents, Liberty looks to stand in the way of the Patriot squad this year, making a deep run itself into the North Caost Section playoffs last year when they got to the semifinal game, where they ran into Heritage, losing to the Patriots 17-10. “I think Liberty will be very tough this year,” Lapum said. “They are very skilled and well coached. I believe our other programs in the BVAL are making great strides to improve, but Liberty will be our main competition. For us to repeat as champions, we must find a way to get past Liberty.”