Liberty offense sputters in loss to California team

Liberty hasn’t been shut out since a 35-0 loss to Florida’s IMG Academy in 2018, however that streak almost got here to an finish Saturday.

A fourth-quarter security stored the Patriots from struggling that destiny, nevertheless it was all they mustered in a 30-2 loss to Pittsburg (California) in an Honor Bowl sport in San Diego.

“We didn’t execute. It was only a dangerous day,” Liberty coach Wealthy Muraco mentioned. “We didn’t actually do something proper offensively, however credit score to Pittsburg.”

Liberty (1-2) will play its third straight street sport Friday, when it performs at Atascocita (Texas).

The Patriots had their probabilities to remain within the sport. Twice within the first half, they’d receivers extensive open behind the Pittsburg protection for straightforward touchdowns, however the go on each was effectively overthrown on each performs.

“We had a pair wide-open pictures, and who is aware of what occurs,” Muraco mentioned. “If we hit even considered one of them, it’s a complete totally different momentum and power.”

Liberty’s protection pressured fumbles after Pittsburg drove inside its 30 on each of the primary two possessions. However Pittsburg adopted its second turnover by intercepting the primary of two Tyrese Smith passes and broke by way of on a 20-yard landing go late within the first quarter.

Pittsburg added a discipline objective and cashed within the second interception for a landing with one other 20-yard TD strike to guide 16-0 at halftime.

Pittsburg related on an 80-yard landing go early within the third to all however put the sport out of attain. Liberty’s solely rating got here when it stuffed a Pittsburg ball-carrier ultimately zone for a security after fumbling contained in the Pittsburg 5-yard line.

“All in all, the protection performed very effectively,” Muraco mentioned. “That they had the one lengthy play the place considered one of our guys didn’t get the decision and we blew the protection. However I used to be pleased with how the protection performed for probably the most half.”

Contact Jason Orts at jorts@reviewjournal.com. Comply with @SportsWithOrts on Twitter.