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With 18 returning starters, Liberty looks to have a strong year ahead in 2024.

Chad Frigon, entering his 14th season as head coach of the Blue Jays, returns a large contingent of returners from last year’s 7-4 squad.

“We feel pretty good about our team, but know there is a lot we can improve on from last season,” stated Frigon.

One of the spots that Liberty will have to replace will be quarterback, as two-year start Christian Kuchta moved on with graduation. Junior Conner Hatfield (6-foot-2, 170) steps in as the starter as playcaller for the Jays.

“Conner has had a great summer and we are looking forward to see him in action this fall,” Frigon touted. “Conner has really improved his understanding of our passing game and worked hard to increase his speed and strength.  He is a true dual threat quarterback.”

Hatfield will have the luxury of lining up behind an offensive line of five returning starters, including tackle Trevor (6-foot-5, 300) and center Trenton (6-foot-2, 300) Brindel. The twin brothers were named all-Missouri Class 6 second team – Trevor on offense, Trenton on the defensive side.

“They are all very physical players and the twins bring a lot of experience and leadership to our team on both sides of the ball,” Frigon stated.

Joining the duo up front will be a trio of junior returning starters in tackle Trey Endsley, and guards Brooks Lawson and Jonathan Pearcy – all standing and weighing at 6-foot-4, 285.

“Our offensive line will be big and should provide us with a strong run game,” Frigon commented.

In the backfield will be senior Jaxon Hicks (5-foot-7, 160) who darted for 887 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior Drew Olson (5-foot-8, 175) scampered for 526 rushing yards and four scores, along with 119 receiving yards as a sophomore. The younger Bindel brother, sophomore Mason, will line up at fullback.

“Jaxon had a great junior season and we are expecting a big year from both him and Andrew (Olson,” stated Frigon. “Jaxon is pound for pound one of the strongest players we have ever had and that toughness carries over to all of our backs. He sets the tone with his relentless running style.”

On the outside, senior wideouts Preston Franklin (5-foot-11, 170) and Jeremy James (5-foot-10, 160) will be targets for Hatfield, as well as returning starting tight end, senior Jackson Froehlich (6-foot-3, 220).

Across the line on defense, Trenon Bindel at tackle will join junior defensive ends Kobe Wright 96-foot-4, 285) and George Richer (6-foot-3, 220).

South Dakota State commit Isaiah Hung (6-foot-2, 210) will patrol both at defensive line and linebacker.

“Isaiah is going into his third year on varsity and really came on as a playmaker last season,” Frigon remarked about the senior. “He is very versatile as a defender with the ability to stop the run, rush the quarterback or defend the pass.   He is a true leader on our defense and highly respected by his teammates.”

Joining Hung at linebacker will be juniors Brooks Ragland (6-foot-3, 200), Derek Wilson (6-0, 190) and Grady Coppinger (6-foot-1, 200), who returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2023.

The secondary will be comprised of returning starters in senior cornerback Preston Franklin (5-foot-11, 170), junior cornerback Logan Sutton (6-0, 175), junior free safety Deacon Price (5-foot-11, 175) and senior strong safety Jack Homoly (5-foot-10, 175).

With the high number of returners, especially 10 on defense, the Jays are jazzed up for the 2024 season.

“Our defense improved dramatically as our season progressed last season,” Frigon recalled. “With returning so many players who are driven to succeed, they have to ability to be one of the best defenses we have had in our program.”

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