By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Liberty took a 4-0 series lead in The Battle on the Boulevard Friday, 55-0, at rival Poinciana’s Eagle Field.

The Chargers wrapped up the regular season at 5-5. Liberty won’t participate in a bowl game, however, because the Florida High School Athletic Association is investigating whether one of the Chargers’ players was ineligible this season. Should the FHSAA rule against Liberty, the Chargers may have to forfeit one or more of their victories. Poinciana, 0-9, plays its season finale Friday at Agape Christian.

Liberty fullback Evan Durand ran for three touchdowns and senior defensive back Chris Athias returned an interception 40 yards for the Chargers’ final touchdown.

“We wanted to finish the season strong. That’s what we have on the back of our shirts, ‘Finish,’” Liberty Coach David Benson said after the game. “It’s the Battle of the Boulevard, and the guys wanted to finish with a big win.”

Liberty took advantage of three turnovers and scored 21 points in the first quarter on Durand TD runs of 1 and 5 yards, and on a 30-yard dash from Jalen Benn.

Benn scored on a 45-yard run on the last play of the first half and Durand scored on a 55-yard run on the first play of the second half to make it 35-0.

Charger quarterback Greg Hankerson ran 1-yard for a score and then J.J. Elisis (9-120, 1 TD) ran in from the 12 to make it 48-0. Michael Garcia kicked 4 PATs. Durand ran for a 2-point conversion.

Senior Randy Gil, who had an interception and returned a punt 30 yards to set up Durand’s second TD, said it was a good way to finish his high school career.

“We just wanted to come out and end the season with a bang,” he said.

Elisis, who was the county’s leading rusher last season, said he is glad he played for the Chargers.

“From the coaches to the team managers, it was the best team I ever played for,” he said.

Linebacker Steve Langdale had an interception for the Chargers off a tipped ball by teammate Diavanti Bedford. Bedford, a senior, also deflected the pass Gil intercepted in the Chargers end zone, ending Poinciana’s first-quarter drive. Eagles quarterback Michael Cirino was 7-of-14 for 65 yards.

Poinciana Coach Michael Timpson said the interception and several yellow flags blunted his team's momentum.

"Penalties really hurt us, we normally don't have that many (five for 45 yards)," Timpson said. "The kids were fired up for the game, but they missed some assignments."

Benson said Durand, a junior, already is one of the best players in the county.

"You can put Evan at any position, and he would excel," he said.

Benn, only a sophomore, is another player Benson believes has a bright future at Liberty.

"He's going to be our go-to guy for the next couple of seasons," Benson said.

Elisis wrapped up an injury-plagued senior year.

"He's had a hip flexor since Spruce Creek, and then he banged up his shoulder. But, you never heard him complain," Benson said.

Benson said his seniors can be proud of the role they played in establishing the school's football program.

"They are the ones who put the program on the map. Now we have kids in school who want to come out for the team because they can see the success we've had," Benson said. "They should be proud. I'm proud of them."

Poinciana has one more chance for a victory at Agape Christian (5-4), but it will be the underdog.

"They have talent, just like everyone we've played has talent," Timpson said. "We'll do the same thing we try to do every week – win a game."