Spring Game gives fans chance to see Flames Football in early action

Liberty Football hosted its annual Spring Game on Saturday at Williams Stadium, providing students and fans with their first glimpse at the team under newly hired Head Coach Jamey Chadwell.

Fans flocked to the event, which gave them a chance to watch the team during the long offseason before the team returns to competition in September.

“It’s just nice to see where the players are at, what’s going forward, what to expect for the upcoming season,” said sophomore Ben Tusi, who is originally from Boston.

Students were not alone in attending the game, with Flames Club members and Liberty faculty and staff showing their support. Dr. Steve Vandegriff, professor of youth ministries, said he came out to support one of his students.

“One of the quarterbacks is actually in my class,” he said. “We were talking about this yesterday, so I came out to watch him and watch the game. My primary motivation is to support him.”

The 2023 season will mark several changes for the football program. In addition to the change in leadership with Chadwell taking the helm, the Flames will also transition from being FBS Independent to a member of Conference USA. Vandegriff said he has high hopes for the team’s future.

“I think (this season) is going to be positive,” he said. “(Chadwell) has a clean slate. Of course, he has a pretty big task to match what was done under the previous coach (Hugh Freeze) and coaching staff. But it’ll be interesting to see where they go with the scale and level of the teams they will be playing. It’ll be a great opportunity for them. I think Liberty is going to carry the momentum we saw last year. I think that will just roll into this year, hopefully.”

Liberty’s exhibition game pitted the offensive squad against the defense, with each side earning points based on various actions such as first downs, turnovers, and touchdowns, among others. The defense walked away on top with a 66-50 score.

During halftime, Chadwell addressed the crowd and announced the most improved player in each position group. He concluded by announcing that sophomore punter Max Morgan had received a full scholarship to Liberty.

After the game, Chadwell spoke about how the team has progressed in its 15 spring practices.

“I think our team is dialed in on what we’re trying to do with the values and what we believe in,” Chadwell said. “We still have a long way to go, and this summer will be very important for our growth.” (Read about Chadwell’s transition to the Flames in the Liberty Journal).

With fans in the stands, players said the atmosphere for the scrimmage slightly mimicked that of a regular season game.

“It felt like a (real) game. I wasn’t expecting that environment. It was a ton of fun,” said senior tight end Bentley Hanshaw, one of the recipients of the most improved honors.

Chadwell and various players also took time after the game to sign autographs for fans.

The Flames concluded the 2022 campaign with a 8-5 record, including a narrow 21-19 loss to Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Liberty will open the season Sept. 2 with a home contest against Bowling Green. The Flames have only matched up against the Falcons once before in a lopsided 62-3 loss in 2003.

TICKET INFO:

Starting at just $120, fans can reserve season tickets for all seven home games in Williams Stadium. Discounts are available for Liberty faculty and staff, 2020-23 recent graduates and Letterwinner Association members. To renew or purchase season tickets, visit LUFootball.com or call/text (434) 592-5015.