NORTHAMPTON, Pa. – Northampton started slow, but then began to roll in a 38-10 win over Liberty in an EPC football game on Friday night at Al Erdosy Stadium. The victory was the first for the Konkrete Kids this season as they improved to 1-2. The Hurricanes dropped to 0-3 with the loss.
Liberty took the opening drive of the game down the field for a touchdown to grab an early 7-0 lead, but Northampton responded in a big way. The Konkrete Kids came back with a touchdown of their own on their first drive but outscored their opponent 38-3 the rest of the game following that opening score by the Hurricanes.
The opening sequence by Liberty took just three plays as Jaiden Canada’s nice cutback run for 47 yards gave the Hurricanes a quick score and early boost. That did not last long, however, as Northampton’s Michael Cruz found the end zone with a 10-yard rushing score for the hosts to tie the game at seven.
From there Northampton’s run game found a rhythm and was instrumental in the win. Michael Cruz led the way with 110 rushing yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns. As a team, the Konkrete Kids amassed 324 yards on the ground. Owen Baker complimented Cruz’s carries with 12 touches of his own for 97 yards.
Following Cruz’s game-tying touchdown in the opening period, Northampton grabbed the lead later that frame when quarterback Joe Kerbacher scampered 48 yards on a keeper to paydirt. The K-Kids led 13-7 after a missed two-point conversion.
Another Cruz touchdown started the scoring in the second period, which grew the hosts’ lead to 21-7. Liberty scored right before half for their final points of the evening. Penn State commit Sander Sahaydak connected on a 46-yard field goal, which made it 21-10 at half time.
Sahaydak missed a 50-yard field goal attempt later in the game.
Northampton joined the special teams scoring as well. In the second half, Aiden Reinhard converted a 43-yard field goal, which grew the team’s lead to 24-10 in the third quarter.
The final scoring play of the game came via Northampton’s defense. Baker intercepted a Liberty pass attempt and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown.
The K-Kids’ defense limited Liberty’s offense in the contest. The Hurricanes threw two interceptions, had 152 rushing yards, and just 92 yards passing. Canada totaled 100 rushing yards for Liberty on 10 carries, most of which came on that aforementioned 47-yard touchdown run.
Northampton remains home to host Easton on Friday while Liberty hosts Nazareth at BASD Stadium. Both games are slated for 7 p.m. starts.
