Iowa City Liberty hopes to carry over momentum from strong finish in 2021

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Final October is when the Lightning began to place the items collectively, profitable three out of their remaining 4 video games. Even with their late push, Iowa Metropolis Liberty feels they nonetheless have one thing to show this season.

“Yeah, we positively do. We have now to show that we’re higher than final 12 months and make the playoffs,” senior operating again and linebacker Trey Gregoire stated. “All of us thought we have been higher than a 3-6 final 12 months. Now, we expect the whole lot will begin clicking. “

“Simply being aggressive. We weren’t as aggressive final 12 months and I feel we’re going to come back out and shock lots of people,” senior tight finish and linebacker Christian Barney stated.

Going 0-5 was a tough begin for first-year head coach James Harris. Heading into his second season on the helm, he feels this group is leaps forward of the place the workforce was presently final season.

“It simply took a while, actually. We had an important workforce final 12 months. These quick comings are all on me as the top coach, however I simply suppose a 12 months of being right here, a 12 months of understanding logistics, having relationships with these younger guys, I’m actually excited with the place we’re at,” Harris stated.

Count on new faces to take over a handful of talent positions, however the Lightning are hoping to strike early. They begin with a cross-city rivalry towards Metropolis Excessive, who saved them off the scoreboard of their final assembly.

“Just like the outdated Miami Hurricanes stated, in the event you don’t need us to bop, preserve us out of the tip zone,” Harris stated. “If we don’t need them to over-celebrate, we’ve obtained to deal with enterprise and ensure we do our job,” he added.

“All of us need revenge from final 12 months,” stated Gregoire. “No errors, no turnovers, be sensible with the ball and all of us have to play collectively as a workforce.”

The gamers stated they received’t have any bother bringing the vitality for his or her season opener, particularly in a venue like Kinnick Stadium.

“I’m actually excited for it. I feel there’s going to be lots of people there and I’m simply actually excited to go on the market and play,” Barney stated.

“It’s a as soon as in a lifetime alternative,” Gregoire added.

Iowa Metropolis Liberty and Metropolis Excessive will play Friday night time. That sport will likely be televised on KCRG.

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