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Liberty looks to keep its winning ways going, and have the defense and offensive weapons to do so.

The Blue Jays, 7-4 a year ago and 10-2 in 2020, bring back nine of 11 starters from last year’s squad.

“We return a lot of experience on defense, and will rely on them early,” stated LHS head coach Chad Frigon. “Our offense will develop early, but has some good pieces for sure.”

The linebackers bring back experience in first-team all-conference selection in senior Nchang Ndifor (6-0, 210), who notched 45 tackles and holds multiple MIAA offers, as well as senior Jack Carbajal (6-foot-3, 200), with offers from Northwest Missouri State, Pitt State and others. Junior Kyler Craigg (5-foot-11, 200) played as a sophomore and should step up in 2022.

Up front, all-conference defensive end Jacob Streich (6-foot-2, 230) returns along with sophomore Trenton Bindel (6-foot-2, 265), who started last year as a freshman.

The secondary will feature three-year starter Devin Winn (5-foot-9, 165) as well as speedy cornerback Dominic Revels (5-foot-11, 160), who ran a 10.8 in the 100 as soph. Senior Ricky Ahumaraze also will defend passes, as he who picked off four passes.

Ahumaraze (6-foot-4, 205) will headline the offense at wide receiver, where he snagged 35 balls for 565 yards and five scores a year ago. The senior received many Division I offers before committing to Northwestern.

Another Division I commit will take handoffs in the backfield, as senior Anthony Wenson (6-foot-1, 195) did everything with 345 receiving yards, will get more carries this year and returned four kickoffs for touchdowns, leading to a first-team Missouri Class 6 selection at returner in 2021. Wenson will be attending Air Force next year.

Up front, Liberty will bring back some experience in Bindel and senior returning starter Corbin Martin (6-foot-2, 265). Also lining up in the trenches will be Streich and seniors Breck Howerton (6-foot-4, 265) and Colton Naylor (6-foot-2, 285).

“We will have four new offensive line up front, so our success will weight a bit on their development,” commented Frigon.

Behind the line will be newcomer as a starter in quarterback Christian Kuchta. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior will pose as a dual threat, on ground and via air. Another target for Kuchta beside Ahumaraze will be Revels and his speed.

Liberty moves “down” to the Suburban Silver conference, but still faces a heavy hitter schedule that includes all the Suburban Gold besides Blue Springs.

“We expect to be very competitive again, but our schedule didn’t change much despite changing conferences. But we’ll be ready are our players had a great offseason and are excited for this fall.”