>> Liberty team page, schedule <<

Liberty looks for another great season ahead in 2021. Because in Missouri Class 6 and the Suburban Gold, that’s what it takes.

The Blue Jays, which finished 10-2 and won the Suburban Gold league title in 2021, aim to have another big season ahead.

“We feel good about what we have returning but also know our conference is full of not good, but great teams,” stated Liberty head coach Chad Frigon. “Last year, three of the final eight teams in the state were from this conference, and I think the league will be even stronger this season.”

Even in winning 10 games a year ago, Liberty could be one of those teams stronger in 2021. It doesn’t hurt bringing back first-team all-Missouri Class 6 running back Wentric Williams III (5-foot-11, 190). The senior amassed 1,355 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago. Williams III also won the 182-pound state wrestling title in Class 4 – all in a tough year with his father passing unexpectedly during the football season.

“Wentric went through so much last season,” Frigon recalled. “Losing his father unexpectantly was so hard, and then not long after that was sidelined with an injury. He has handled everything because he is a tough kid who leads by example.  He is a great team player who makes everyone around him better.”

Alongside Williams III will be junior tailback Anthony Wensen, who also rushed for 683 yards and four tochdowns on 131 carries. Fullback Jeremiah Cabuyaban also provides toughness as a 6-foot-1, 250-pound senior and a state runner-up on the wrestling mat.

Up front, senior Michael Capria (6-foot-2, 285) returns after also being selected as Missouri Class 6 first team on the offensive line, whom Frigon tabbed the “strongest player in Liberty history”.

Also up front will be senior Cam Lawson (6-foot-5, 260), who suffered a broken leg in week 5 in 2020.

On the outside, senior Caden Dennis (6-foot-2, 170) will be one of the area’s top receivers again, after being named second-team Missouri Class 6 for doing about everything. Dennis was a first-team Suburban Gold receiver, defensive back and returner. Dennis hauled in 50 balls for 737 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing for 201 yards and two scores, as well as punt and kickoff returns with his 10.93 time in the 100 meter.

“Caden makes a difference for us in so many areas of the game and is always a threat to change the game on any play,” touted Frigon.

Junior Ricky Ahumaraeze will be a big target at 6-foot-4, but also with a 6-foot-4 high jump mark in track. Ahumaraeze snagged 10 receptions, but a knack for the end zone with five catches for touchdowns.

Throwing the ball to Dennis and Ahumaraeze will be senior Tyler Lininger (6-foot-1, 175). As a junior, Lininger started two games with wins over Rock Bridge and Park Hill, completing 14-of-19 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown.

“Offensively, we will need to be able to have an effective passing game to keep people from stopping our run first,” Frigon stated.

Defensively, Cabuyaban will lead the front at defensive end, while junior Nchang Ndifor (5-foot-10, 185) notched 35 tackles – five for loss – in starting as a sophomore. The D will have to fill the shoes of losing all-time Liberty tackling leader Jalen Weston at linebacker.

“Defensively we have some parts back but lost some big parts with Jalen,” Frigon said. 

Dennis and Ahumaraeze (two interceptions) will be joined in the secondary by junior safety Jack Carbajal (6-foot-3, 200) and snagging two interceptions.

“We hope to build on the season we had last year,” Frigon said. “We have some great players returning but also a lot of spots to fill as we move into 2021.  But we’ll keep getting better every week and be ready.”

>> Liberty team page, schedule <<