By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Liberty takes a break this week after a 38-32 loss against Haines City that easily could have been a victory.

Chargers Coach David Benson saw enough positives to be excited about the team’s prospects for the rest of the season.

“I feel real good about what we did. You don’t want to ever be satisfied coming off a loss, but I’m excited about
 what I saw at Haines City,” Benson said.

The Chargers, 0-1, fought back and moved the ball consistently behind quarterback Isaiah Wilson and running back Jalen Benn and held a 25-23 lead in the third quarter.

Haines City’s Decorius Law, who returned the second half kickoff 85 yards to erase a 17-16 Chargers lead, caught a TD pass from quarterback Ryan Pynes to put Haines City ahead, 31-25, early in the fourth quarter. Then, Pynes hit Jack Tisdale from 33 yards for the eventual winning score.

Law might have saved the game for Haines City when he ran down a Liberty defender who had recovered Law’s fumble late in the game. Law caused a fumble to give the Hornets possession.

Steven Phillips and Wilson ran for TDs. Wilson threw TD passes to Benn (40 yards) and Joey Casillas (12 yards).

Wilson sat out the first two series of the game after missing some practice due to a minor injury, Benson said.

“Our defense didn’t play that bad. We only gave up 22 or 23 points on defense, which is usually good enough for us to win,” Benson said.

When Wilson entered the game, the Chargers rolled.

“I’m so proud of him. The thing about Isaiah is that he doesn’t get flustered, he never gets out of control. He lets the game come to him,” Benson said. “Jalen had a great game, he ran for like 150 yards. That’s why I’m excited about what I saw out there. As we iron out our mistakes and gain experience, I think we can have a real good season.”

The difference was Law, who made big plays when Haines City needed them.

“He’s one of those guys who is a threat to go all the way,” Benson said.

Charles Vanstralendorf kicked a 25-yard field goal for the Chargers and added three PAT’s and one 2-point conversion.

Benson said the open date will give the team an opportunity to get into a normal practice routine.

“We really haven’t had what I would call regular practices for the last five weeks, and Isaiah had to sit out a couple of days last week, so this will give us a chance to get back on schedule,” Benson said.

The Chargers will host Bishop Moore Sept. 14.