Liberty Beats Campbell to Open 2021 Season in Front of Home Fans

Williams Stadium opened with the ability to hit full capacity for the first time since 2019 as the Liberty Flames cruised to a 48-7 victory over the Campbell Fighting Camels. 

Williams Stadium was packed with 15,384 fans for Liberty’s season opener, and the stadium exploded into life when Liberty quarterback Malik Willis found DeMario Douglas for a 35-yard score on Willis’ first passing attempt. 

After the team’s initial drive, the Flames’ defense forced a turnover on downs and gave Willis a chance to fire a bomb to receiver DJ Stubbs for 40 yards. On the ensuing play, Joshua Mack ran up the middle, fumbling into the endzone, but Liberty receiver CJ Daniels quickly got to the ball to score and put the Flames up 14-0. 

It looked certain that the Flames would increase their lead to 17 points, but Alex Barbir’s kick went wide right. 

Offensive struggles set in for the Flames at the worst time as the Fighting Camels made it a seven-point game when Campbell wide receiver Caleb Snead burned Liberty’s secondary for a 40-yard score. 

The Flames’ defense responded after this drive, forcing Campbell to punt on their next possession. 

With 3:26 to go in the half, Liberty began a drive from their 20-yard line. Willis had to scramble multiple times to get out of trouble, and an 18-yard pass to transfer running back TJ Green put the Flames 10-yards from paydirt with :32 left in the half. Green then found wide open space on the right side of the field and jogged into the endzone.

A missed PAT saw the Flames enter halftime leading 20-7.

Campbell opened the second half with a short kick, and Liberty’s Brody Brumm took it 28 yards down the field to set up the offense at Campbell’s 28-yard line. 

The kick return was the momentum boost the Flames’ offense needed. Willis and company made quick work of the possession, with Joshua Mack scoring to make it 27-7. 

Liberty’s next offensive set pushed them into Campbell territory before Shedro Louis capped off the drive with a 36-yard touchdown run, moving the score up to 34-7. 

Liberty’s defense never allowed Campbell to get in the red zone with the Camels’ lone touchdown resulting from a 40-yard pass.

In the fourth quarter, quarterback Johnathan Bennett checked into the game for the Flames to relieve Willis. Bennett found Javian Lofton for a 27-yard touchdown to end his first drive. 

He then scored on a two-yard run with 1:13 left to put the Flames up 48-7. 

While the score line was impressive, the Flames still have a lot to work on. Offseason rust was evident in both the offense and defense, something the Flames will need to address soon. Coach Hugh Freeze expressed frustration with his team’s composure. 

“Twelve penalties,” Freeze said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team that had 12 penalties. That’s on me, and I’ve got to get that cleaned up.”

Willis’ final stat line was 15–23, 217 yards with one touchdown. He also posted 55 yards on the ground and one rushing touchdown. Willis was critical of himself and the team, acknowledging that some improvements are necessary if the team hopes to succeed this season.

“I think we got a C+,” Willis said. “Yes, we did some good things, but we had some rough times too, as far as penalties and execution, on my part as well.”

Receiver DeMario Douglas had a career high in receptions, hauling in seven catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Douglas expressed gratitude in having such a good game in front of the home fans.

“It felt great,” Douglas said. “I just went out there and played for the team. My family came out so I had to put on a show for them.”

The Flames go on the road next week to face Troy, whom they beat 22-16 in 2018. Both teams will be looking to start their season 2-0. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff Sept. 11. 

Randle is the sports editor. Follow him on Twitter at @lukerandle02.