J. Daniel Pearson
For the News-Gazette

Taking advantage of a big size difference on both the offensive and defensive lines, Orlando University overcame an early 7-0 deficit to roll to a 31-7 victory over Liberty in a non-district game Friday.

“The game sort of speaks for itself,” Liberty Head Coach David Benson said.  “They had a very good offensive team and were big on both sides of the line. They were able to eventually wear us down and when we did have some opportunities, we weren’t able to take advantage of them.”
Liberty did take advantage of its first break. After hold holding University on downs on its first possession, linebacker Kason Hooks busted up the middle and blocked Tent Little’s punt at the 23.  Hooks picked up the loose ball and returned it 20yards for a touchdown to give the Chargers a 7-0 lead at the 8:19 mark of the first quarter.

The score stayed the same until early in the second quarter, when University finally got its offense on track. Starting on the Charger 43 after a short punt, University went on a nine-play drive that culminated on William Solomon’s1-yard touchdown run.  Trent Little added the extra point to tie the score at 7-7.
On its next possession, the Cougars would need just one play to make it 14-7 when wide receiver Brad Harris slipped behind the Charger secondary and quarterback Stephen Ulmer hit him in stride for a 92-yard touchdown pass.
University took a big gamble on its final possession of the first half.  Starting from his own 34, Ulmer directed an eight-play drive to the Liberty 4-yard line with just one second remaining.  Eschewing the field goal attempt, Cougar Head Coach Don Stark inserted Solomon at quarterback.  Solomon responded with a four-yard touchdown run to the right side for a 21-7 lead at the half.

The Cougars upped the lead with a quick start to the second half.  Ruben Caraballo returned the second-half kickoff 47 yards to put University in business at the Liberty 32.  Four plays later, Shadon Seabrook scored on a 20-yard run to make 28-7.
Markel Brown tried to spark some life into the Chargers offense by returning the ensuing kickoff 68 yards.  But officials ruled Brown was pushed out of bounds at the 1-yard line. Then, the Chargers fumbled on the first play – with University recovering to end the threat.
“It was pretty much the story of the night,” Benson said.  “We had a couple of chances to get back in the game, but it seems we followed every positive play with a negative play, turnover or penalty.”

For the game, University gained 398 yards of total offense while limiting the Chargers to 79 yards on 38 plays. Liberty had three turnovers.   Ulmer, a junior, had 193 yards passing and 28 yards rushing before leaving the game early in the third quarter with concussion-like symptoms. Seabrook added 87 yards rushing for the Cougars.  Benn led the chargers with 59 yards rushing.

“This is the first time in four weeks we didn’t have to play in torrential rains and slop, so it was fun to seeh ow our offense responded,” University Head Coach Don Stark said of his 3-2 team.  “Liberty deserves a lot of credit.  They didn’t quit and they fought hard all game.  Two or three times tonight the ball bounced our way and it made a difference.”

Liberty returns to action next week at home against Gateway.  “I guess the best thing I can say about tonight it was a non-district game,” Benson added.  “I told our kids that we need to put tonight behind us and get ready for a real good Gateway team next week.  Our goal all year has been to gett o the playoffs, so next week will be a huge test for us.”