The Liberty University Football team defeated the Ball State University Cardinals Sept. 9, scoring more than 50 points in a dominant 51-15 victory to keep the Flames undefeated at home.
“I think we can have an explosive offense,” Head Coach Jamey Chadwell said. “I think our defense has shown us they can do a good job when they play solid.”
The Flames put up 13 points during the first quarter with touchdowns from fifth-year wide receiver Makai Jackson and senior wide receiver Jamari Person.
Liberty saw a major shift in defensive momentum. Last week against Gardner-Webb, the defense gave up 96 yards in penalties. This week, the Flames gave up 25 yards.
“I thought we played a really clean game,” Chadwell said. “The guys were accountable for that. They want to make sure that they’re not the weak link that keeps us from being able to score points.”
Liberty scored a field goal during the second quarter, and the Flames defense held the Cardinals scoreless.
With one minute left in the half, energy soared as the Flames drove the ball down the field. Junior quarterback Deshawn Purdie connected with Person for another touchdown.
The Flames entered the second half with a 23-7 lead.
Purdie opened the third quarter by delivering an 80-yard pass to Jackson that left Flames fans in awe. Fifth-year quarterback Ethan Vasko made an appearance on the next play, finding an opening and running into the end zone to increase Liberty’s score to 30-7.
Purdie, sixth-year quarterback Jaylen Henderson and Vasko were each responsible for a touchdown. According to Flames Football, their efforts accomplished a feat not seen since at least 1980, in which all three quarterbacks contributed to scoring points in the same game.
“The key to winning this year is unity,” Purdie said. “That was one of the words we put in when Coach Chadwell had all the QBs together. Long as we stay united in that room, the world don’t got no answer for us.”
Junior running back Kam Davis ran the ball for another Flames touchdown, pushing the lead to 37-7.
Ball State put another touchdown on the board at the end of the third quarter.
Liberty completed an 80-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown from Henderson. The Flames defense forced a fumble on the Cardinals’ next possession, which allowed the offense to collect the final touchdown from fifth-year running back Jaylin Belford.
By the end of the game, Liberty had four different players record their first touchdown as a Flame. Those players include Jaylin Belford, Kam Davis, fifth-year running back Terron Kellman and Jamari Person.
“A lot of people got to play,” Chadwell said. “So, when a lot of people get to play, there’s a whole lot of electricity in there.”
The Flames travel to take on Coastal Carolina University Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN.
Potter is a sports editor for The Liberty Champion.