Liberty Lions State Champions 01.11.19

JANUARY 11, 2019

BECOMING 2018

CHAMPIONS Liberty Lions’ Road to State Title

Photos by Tony Kukulich/De Anne Gliedt

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LIBERTY CHAMPIONS 2018

JANUARY 11, 2019

The journey begins with a new head coach Liberty High School’s run into the history books began with head coach Ryan Partridge’s hiring in early 2017. He’s led his team to a 24-3 record over his first two seasons, which included the team’s first-ever North Coast Section and state championships.

This story ran on April 21, 2017.

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fter guiding Livermore’s football team to its most wins in a season since 1999 – during

his first year as a head coach – Ryan Partridge has taken the same position at Liberty High School, just a few minutes from his home in Discovery Bay. “Being close to home was the biggest factor,” Partridge said. “I have been happy at Livermore. I loved my job, my team and the support I have received from administration.

This decision was an extremely difficult one to make.”

Partridge did not make the decision without plenty of prior knowledge regarding the Lions, however. He is neighbors with previous head coach Jeff Walters, and the two have shared many discussions about their respective programs during the past

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football season.

When Walters decided to go back home and take the head football position at Del Oro in Placer County, it allowed Partridge the opportunity to eliminate close to two hours of commute time on a daily basis. He is inheriting a program that has built a foundation for future success, much like he has done for the next head coach at Livermore.

“I know I am coming into a good situation,” Partridge said. “Jeff did a terrific job getting that program in a position to compete for the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL) title, and there is a lot of talent coming

up to the varsity level.”

Despite being hired in mid-April, Partridge dismisses any notion the program could be starting late or behind any of its competition.

“I like the sense of urgency, and it is similar to last year, when around the same time, I was hired at Livermore,” he said. “I don’t see it is an issue.”

While last season was Partridge’s first as a head coach, he guided the Livermore program expertly. The Cowboys won their homecoming game for the first time in 17 seasons, and with a win over Granada in the regular-season finale, they reached the 5-5 mark for the first

Liberty High School Football Team STATE CHAMPIONS!

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Liberty head coach Ryan Partridge, seen here arriving home with his team after it won the school’s first football state championship, has guided the squad to North Coast Section and state championships over his first two seasons.

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time in the same number of years. The wins were followed by a first-round playoff victory against Mt. Eden.

Last season, his team also showed it could battle back from adversity, rallying from a 20-0 deficit to defeat Partridge’s alma mater, Amador Valley. It all seems to be the by-product of the culture he looks to create at Liberty.

One of the first steps in his blueprint for the Lions is to immediately work on cultivating his vision for the program and to build a team and family mentality on and off the field.

Partridge referenced building blocks such as leadership courses and community-based actions and events as ways Liberty will embrace his immediate and long-term goals.

“We need to be a team on and off the field, while also creating a competitive environment and culture,” Partridge said. “We want a player-centered environment, where every player knows they are valued. Players will have a voice; without the players, we have no program. Winning is important, but we want to teach our student athletes to win in football and in life. To do that, you have to love the man next to you.”

One of Partridge’s biggest goals is to make Liberty’s football games the best show in the BVAL. He described a Friday night atmosphere that is fun for players, family, friends and fans.

“I want every player to leave this program saying ‘I want to do that all over again,’” Partridge added.

LIBERTY CHAMPIONS 2018

JANUARY 11, 2019

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Photo by Tony Kukulich

The 60-plus Liberty High School varsity football players, seen here posing after their state championship win, will go down in history as the various pieces that constructed the school’s first football state championship in its 116-year history.

football team will go down in city lore,

with each of the following players contributing to the Lions’ first-ever football state championship.

Jordyn Turner, WR, Jr. Jerrin Easter-Williams, SB, CB, Sr. Ethan Dumond, MLB, DE, Sr.

Tyerell Sturges-Cofer, RB, OLB, Sr. Joshua Dinkins, FS, Jr. Keaton Levy, S, Sr. Nicky Einess, LB, Sr. Brenden Bell, S, RB, Jr. Jay Butterfield, QB, Jr. Josh Capps, S, QB, Sr. Jake Torres, SB, Sr. Jared Cronk, WR, Sr. Mason Brandy, WR, CB, Jr. Cody Muth, WR, Jr. John Fio, RB, SS, Sr. Jake Croteau, K, WR, Sr. Adrik Lamar (C), WR, CB, Sr. Peyton Borrelli, TE, DE, Jr.

Adam Neely, WR, Sr. Glenn Borlongan Jr., CB, Jr. Darrion Bartley, RB, LB, Jr. Sione Vaki, WR, SS, Sr. P.J. Hernandez, LB, Sr. Leo Reichhold, WR, SB, So. Deizion Bartley, CB, Sr. Justin Baker, LB, Sr. Hunter Steacker, QB, Fr. Arcel Gray, RB, Jr. Brock Hammer, NG, DT, Sr. Mason Padilla, LB, FB, Jr. David Trujillo, LB, RB, Jr. Dale Steidle, LB, Sr. Jayden Camara, LB, Jr.

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JANUARY 11, 2019

The Road to Greatness – State Champions

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he Liberty High School football team’s scintillating run to its first state championship featured an array of heart-stopping moments along the way. Relive the ups and downs in The Press’ 2018 season coverage below.

Liberty Lions eyeing state title run in football

http://bit.ly/thepressnet_seasonpreview

Liberty High School trounces Vacaville in football season opener http://bit.ly/thepressnet_vacaville

Liberty and Freedom high school football teams win http://bit.ly/thepressnet_honorbowl

The Liberty Lions football team feasts on Thunder in easy victory http://bit.ly/thepressnet_libertyhomecoming

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December 21, 2018

Corn Country Celebrates

HISTORY MADE! Corn Country Celebrates

HISTORY MADE!

Photo by Tony Kukulich

Liberty championship Liberty Lions Lions win win state state championship Photo by Kyle Szymanski

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19-17 victory over Sierra Canyon fourth-and-three fourtheplays later that waywilltobethe Lions’ 18-yard-line on “This is a big feeling of accomso great.

Best” contest SAVE NOW % OFF Any Service (Chatsworth) last Saturday night at Liberty its give nextyou drive, We rankedsealed the topthe threevictory, vote sending launching soon. It will a but Josh Bryan’s 35- plishment.” www.thepress.net/bob_ballot Cerritos College in Norwalk. players a euphoric yard Liberty’s victory in Norwalk getters in each of theand 193 fans intochance to visit some of ourfield Best goal attempt dropped The anticipated Best Liberty running back categories Tyrell state FAIRVIEW short, set in motion’s Lib- sentHEATING shockwaves&through Liberty’s as the moments Gold, Silver later. and of winners and possibly winwhich a of Sturges-Cofer Brentwood 2018 rushed is for 198 Bronze yards,winners“I AIR CONDITIONING, andreally the results at $1,000. for can’t put prize this valued moment erty’sLook eight-play, 80-yard drive that Corn Country INC. home, 400 miles being delivered this week! Each including the team’s three touchService are in the pages this year’s BestLiberty detailsquarterabout this contest in the into of words,” said will forever be remembered for • Repair away.• Installation Contractor’s Lic. #533790 C-20 year we turn to you, our readers, Lions’thebend-butof Brentwood magazine. back Jay Butterfield. coming “This weeks. is the Sturges-Cofer’s 11-yard run, giving The Brentwood Police Departto downs, ask you toand vote the and choose 925-625-4963 • www.fairviewair.com don’t-break defense held steady to best feeling I have ever had.” the eventual champions the lead ment escorted the Lions’ bus on elevate the 2018 Lions to unforgetThe Lions’ triumphant march for good with 7:55 left in the game. the final leg of its journey home, table champions. into the Liberty history books took “We just wanted to finish,” said and residents thronged the Liberty “This feels awesome,” said a while to get moving.

Sturges-Cofer after the game. “We campus, erupting in cheers as Parsecond-year head coach Ryan ParSierra Canyon, looking for its just wanted to win.” tridge exited the team bus, carrytridge after the game, as his players third state title in eight years, took Liberty’s victory caps a thrilling ing the championship trophy onto celebrated behind him. what appeared to be a commanding two-year run for the Lions in Par- home soil.

Sturges-Cofer’s 11-yard run 17-7 lead on Gamble’s 22-yard run tridge’s first years as head coach.

He then let out a celebratory gave Liberty its first lead, 19-17, with 9:12 left in the third quarter.

The Lions had won one playoff scream 116 years in the making.

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Liberty takes Heritage in Brentwood Bowl

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Liberty football team headed to North Coast Section title game http://bit.ly/thepressnet_Claytonvalley

Liberty High School football team defeats Valley Christian to advance to state title game http://bit.ly/thepressnet_valleychristian

Corn Country unites to honor Liberty High School football team http://bit.ly/ thepressnet_libertychampionshipcelebration

LIBERTY CHAMPIONS 2018

JANUARY 11, 2019

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Lions make football history with first-ever state championship

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The Liberty football team’s thrilling run to the state title came to a grand conclusion with its 19-17 win over Sierra Canyon in the state championship game. This story originally ran on Dec. 21, 2018.

KYLE SZYMANSKI

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he Liberty High School football team put the school’s 116-year history on its

shoulders at the start of the 2018 CIF State Football Championship Division 1A bowl game against Sierra Canyon.

And ended it by crashing through the walls of history.

The Lions won the team’s first state championship with a 19-17 victory over Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

Liberty running back Tyerell Sturges-Cofer rushed for 198 yards, including the team’s three touchdowns, and the Lions’ bend-butdon’t-break defense held steady to elevate the 2018 Lions to unforgettable champions.

“This feels awesome,” said second-year head coach Ryan Partridge after the game, as

his players celebrated behind him.

Sturges-Cofer’s 11-yard run gave Liberty its first lead, 19-17, midway through the fourth quarter, and the Lions never lost control.

Sierra Canyon reached the Lions’ 37-yardline on the ensuing drive, but Liberty safety Sione Vaki stood up Brendon Gamble at the line of scrimmage on fourth-and-three to return the ball to the Lions for good with 4:14 left in the game.

Adrik Lamar’s 19-yard catch on thirdand-six extended the Lions’ game-clinching drive, and Sturges-Cofer’s 6-yard dash on fourth-and-three four plays later sealed the victory, sending Liberty players and fans into a euphoric frenzy.

“I really can’t put this moment into words,” said Liberty quarterback Jay Butterfield. “This is the best feeling I have ever had.”

The Lions’ triumphant march into the Liberty history books took awhile to get moving.

Sierra Canyon, looking for its third state title in eight years, took what appeared to be

Congratulations to the Liberty H.S. 2018 Football State Champions!

Photo by Tony Kukulich

Liberty High School Principal Heather Harper and head coach Ryan Partridge pose with the state championship trophy after the Lions’ 19-17 win over Sierra Canyon. a commanding 17-7 lead on Gamble’s 22-yard run with 9:12 left in the third quarter.

Trailblazers’ cornerback DJ Harvey intercepted Butterfield on the Lions’ ensuing drive, and both teams then traded punts.

But when Liberty defensive end Ethan Dumond recovered Chayden Peery’s fumble late in the third quarter, Liberty began to blaze a trail into Corn Country’s hearts.

Sturges-Cofer dashed 31 yards on the second play of the following drive to pull Liberty within 17-13.

Sierra Canyon marched all the way to the Lions’ 18-yard line on its next drive, but Josh Bryan’s 35-yard field goal attempt dropped short, which set in motion Liberty’s eight-play, 80-yard drive that will forever be remembered for Sturges-Cofer’s 11-yard run, giving the

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eventual champions the lead for good with 7:55 left in the game.

“We just wanted to finish,” said SturgesCofer. “We just wanted to win.”

Liberty’s victory caps a thrilling two-year run for the Lions in Partridge’s first years as head coach.

The Lions had won one playoff game prior to Partridge’s arrival in 2017, but they have become a history-making machine ever since.

Liberty won its first North Coast Section title in a 37-0 win over Freedom to end its 2017 campaign, and now one year later, it can add a state title to its impressive resume.

“We started this season knowing we wanted to go to state, and we are here,” said defensive tackle Brock Hammer. “This is a big feeling of accomplishment.”

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Community members to purchase football team championship rings KYLE SZYMANSKI

T

he Liberty High School football team’s historic state championship win will

forever be remembered in the minds of its players and coaches.

And soon, it will also be memorialized on their fingers, thanks to the generosity of two community members.

Harvest Park Bowl owner Jim Wangeman and longtime Knightsen resident Andy Dreifort recently offered to purchase state championship rings for the Lions players and coaches, at an estimated cost of $15,000.

“For them to get a state champi-

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onship is incredible,” said Wangeman.

“Me being a local businessman, where they support me, the whole community supports me, I thought it was time to support the community.”

The commemorative jewelry will serve as a lasting reminder of the squad’s first state championship in its 116-year history--a 19-17 win over Chatworth’s Sierra Canyon on Dec. 15.

“Mr. Wangeman and Mr. Dreifort’s generosity conveys how well this community celebrates the accomplishments of our students,” said Eric Volta, superintendent of the Liberty Union High School District.

Wangeman, a former Sequoia High School football player, said he knew instantly after the victory that he wanted to honor the legendary Lions.

He quickly scrapped his idea to launch a GoFundMe and opened his wallet when Dreifort contributed funds.

“I said ‘Ok, we got it (the money),’” said Wangeman, who watched part of the championship game live, but turned it off when the team fell behind, only to wake up in the middle of the night and finish the remainder that saw Liberty take its first lead---19-17---midway through the fourth

Press file photo

A year after the Liberty High School football team received North Coast Section championship rings, the squad will soon receive state championship rings, thanks to the generosity of community members Jim Wangeman and Knightsen resident Andy Dreifort. quarter and hold on for the win.

Dreifort, a longtime community member whose children went to Liberty, said he felt he needed to act to commemorate the team’s victory.

“I was very proud of their achievement and wanted to help recognize it,” he said.

The duo’s secret was revealed, to thunderous applause, during the school district’s celebration for the team four days after its title victory.

“It (the donation) just reiterates how wonderful our community is,” said Liberty Principal Heather Harper during the ceremony.

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A coach’s reflection on a one-of-a-kind season KYLE SZYMANSKI

L

iberty offensive line coach Rod Beaver holds the unique distinction of roaming the Lions’ sidelines for the past 36 years in various roles,

in addition to teaching physical education on campus.

He plans to retire from teaching at the end of this year but has yet to decide if he’ll continue his illustrious coaching career that has spanned eight varsity head coaches and all levels of the football program.

If this turns out to be his last, he’ll depart as a champion with fond memories of the 2018 Lions – a squad he says he’ll remember for its players with natural talent, selfless attitudes and ability to rise above the competition en route to the history books.

“This year will be something I’ll never forget,” said Beaver.

Beaver coached several of the 2018 squad’s key players on the junior varsity level and could sense years ago that something special was brewing, he said.

With the addition of key pieces – such as quarterback Jay Butterfield, running back Tyerell Sturges-Cofer, who bypassed the junior varsity squad, and Antioch High School transfer Sione Vaki – the Lions’ budding championship puzzle turned out to be complete.

“Sometimes, you know, (success at the junior varsity level) can be an indicator, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into real success at the next level,” Beaver said. “With this group right here, it translated and actually probably surpassed some expectations.”

Photo by Tony Kukulich

Liberty offensive line coach Rod Beaver, seen here prior to the Lions’ state championship game, has been a Liberty coach for 36 years.

Beaver noted the squad’s ability to transition well from being under the radar – capturing the team’s first North Coast Section (NCS) Division I title in 2017 – to being on everyone’s radar as the team to beat this year.

That stellar attribute was on full display when the balanced Lions persevered countless times, especially away from home, capturing key road wins against defending Central Coast Section Division 5 champion Gilroy; McClymonds High School (riding a 26-game win streak at the time of the clash); 2017 NCS Division 3 runner-up Cardinal Newman; reigning league champion Pittsburg, a defending state championship runner-up; Central Coast Section powerhouse Valley Christian; and, finally, Sierra Canyon, which was searching for its third state title in eight years.

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More times than not, close victories were won by rising to the moment, another quality that Beaver admired in the team.

Just a handful of those occasions included the Lions scoring 34 unanswered second-half points to break a 21-all contest at halftime against Freedom on Sept. 28.

Two games later, with the league title on the line against Pittsburg, Vaki – normally an offensive superstar – stripped Pirates’ running back Avant Muldrow at about the Lions’ 2-yard line as he was set to score a go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Vaki later secured two interceptions in the game’s final two minutes to finalize the Lions’ victory – their first over Pittsburg in 13 tries, which secured Liberty its first league title since 1985.

In the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) NorCal regional Division 1-A semifinal game against Valley Christian, with a date in the state championship game on the line, the Lions scored the game’s final 12 points – all in the fourth quarter – to break a 21-all contest.

And in the state title game, Liberty didn’t take the lead until midway through the fourth quarter but then hung on for the victory.

“We seemed to have the ability to explode at times and finish games off,” said Beaver, who noted that his offensive line only gave up a handful of sacks all season and the offense never lost a fumble.

With the Lions’ scintillating season in Beaver’s most recent past, he says he’ll now focus on what’s ahead for him.

If this ends up being his final season, the long-tenured coach will end his time as a well-deserving champion.

“Each season in itself is a journey, it’s a voyage,” Beaver said. “You can go through a lot of different things in a voyage. Suffice to say, it was a great one this year.”

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LIBERTY CHAMPIONS 2018

JANUARY 11, 2019

Liberty Lions championship year in photos T

he 2018 Liberty football team finished the season with a 13-1 record and first-ever state championship. Along the journey, the Lions provided a plethora of memorable moments captured through the lens of Press photographer Tony Kukulich. To view videos and slideshows, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia