BETHLEHEM: Arguably most teams would say the measuring stick for success in Lehigh Valley football is how you fare against the Parkland Trojans. This year there is no exception, as Parkland came into Friday night’s contest against Liberty at Frank Banko Field unbeaten at 5-0 and ranked third in the state per Pennlive.com. Liberty marched in at 4-1 and looked to show that they are a legitimate contender in EPC South. When the dust settled after a wild finish, Liberty came out on top 41-34.
Liberty quarterback Doug Erney out dueled Parkland’s Devonte Cross by accumulating 288 yards of offense and tossing four touchdowns in the win. But it was the ground game that was most impressive for the Hurricanes as they ran 52 times for 319 yards and no turnovers in the contest.
“We had some big wins this season beating the likes of Beca and Whitehall, but this by far is the biggest win in my career. This is the greatest
team I played against and to get the win after having many disappointments against them. It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said a jubilant Erney after the game.
After an early rushing touchdown by Parkland put them up 7-0 in the first quarter, Liberty answered with five scoring drives, all via the end zone
to take a 41-13 midway through the third quarter.
Erney connected with Darien Street for a 46 yard pass and another 10 yarder for scores. He also hooked up with Nasir Legree for a 38 yard touchdown and his last scoring pass of the contest was to Sean West for 47 yards.
“Our offensive line did a tremendous job tonight. They gave Doug time to look down field and make some big plays in the passing game and they did a nice job of opening some holes for our run game to develop. I can’t say enough about our play from tonight,” Liberty coach John Truby stated.
Parkland was down and almost out, but still had some fight left in them. Devonte Cross, who struggled in first half, managed to throw for two
scores and ran for another, a one-yarder to cut the lead to 41-34 with just under two minutes left in the contest.
A failed onside kick gave Liberty the ball near midfield, however Liberty could not manage a first down and was forced to punt the ball back to the Trojans on their own 20. Cross got sacked twice, including on a fourth and 20 at his own seven, which sealed the game for the Hurricanes.
“I don’t know what to say. We knew the gravity of this game. We understood what was at stake. We just didn’t play up to our expectations. We prepared in practice. It was a good week and we were excited about this opportunity. It’s disappointing,” stated a dejected coach Jim Morgans.
Next week Liberty(5-1 overall 4-1 EPC South} takes to the road to face Northampton, who lost to Emmaus 56-21 Friday night. For Parkland{5-1
overall, 4-1 EPC South} it does not get any easier as they face Easton, also 5-1 at Historic Cottingham Stadium. The Rovers demolished Whitehall 45-0.
