Liberty Wins “Battle of Bethlehem Part 2” 28-14
Written by: Chad Breidinger on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008. Follow Chad Breidinger on Twitter.
Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com
In the City of Bethlehem also known as the “Christmas City” two familiar teams faced off for the second time in a few weeks. It was billed as “Liberty vs. Freedom 2”. This time around it was for the D 11/2/4 sub-regional title, district 11 title, and the right to play in the state quarterfinal against D12 winner George Washington (10-1)
Liberty (12-1) and Freedom (10-3) met in week 10 with Liberty prevailing 20-14 in a hard fought game. This contest just added 8-points to Liberty’s final score.
This game, played in super cold weather, was just another day at work for the Hurricanes. Although Freedom jumped out to a 7-0 lead on an Eddie Mateo 35-yard run, it was the “Canes” all everything QB in Anthony Gonzalez who stole the spotlight once again. He rushed for 28 times for 166-yards and all 4 TD’s (8, 3, 36 and 43).
Gonzalez couldn’t do it alone as RB Brandon Brader chipped in 102-yards rushing and his massive line opened up beautiful holes for him to glide through.
At half the game was tied at 7-7 with Gonzalez scoring on an 8-yard option keeper as time expired.
Gonzalez (also the LVC MVP) really pored it on in the 2nd half mainly in the 4th quarter where he scored his final 2 touchdown in the last 5-minutes.
Although Freedom lost this game, they have set a school record for wins in a season (10) and reaching the district playoff for the first time in school history. Head coach Jason Roeder has slowly built this team into a constant winner over the last few years.
As for Liberty, it seems as if reaching the state playoffs has become old hat for them.
Liberty will prepare to take on D12 winner George Washington of the Philadelphia public league who was a 23-14 winner over favorite and Philadelphia Catholic league champion LaSalle. The game will be played next Saturday at Northeast’s Charles Martin Stadium. Kick off is set for noon. The winner will advance to take on D1 champion (North Penn or Neshaminy) in the Eastern Finals.
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November 24th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I was at this game. Both teams came to play and did not disappoint. Freedom played really well in the first half but could not overcome some critical turnovers, and a bad call on a late hit to a kicker. Looked to me like the Freedom player barely touched the guy but what do I know. Hats off to both teams. Although I’m a Freedom guy, I hope Liberty takes it all the way this year.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I was really expecting a closer game, Freedom dominated the first half and shellshocked the Canes. But Liberty came out and dominated the second half, they gave up one touchdown in the second half to a beautifly exacuted hook and lateral. Other than that Liberty took over and won. Hats off to Freedom they played their hearts out.GO CANES!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!