LU scored 21 of the first 28 points and cruised to a 52-14 win over Savannah State University Saturday night in from of a record crowd of 19,314 during the grand re-opening of Williams Stadium. The fourth quarter featured fireworks both on the field as well as off when the display that was intended to take place after the game took place.
Mike Brown had another efficient night, finishing 14-19 for 231 yards and three TDs all of them to his favorite target, Chris Summers who finished with 132 yards for his fourth 100 yard game of his career (three of them this season according to LibertyFlames.com). Liberty has scored 50 or more points in 4 straight games at Williams Stadium and 5 straight home games overall (including the opener at Lynchburg City Stadium). LU has outscored their opponents 104-21 at home.
Starting this week I'll be posting a little something one of my buddies from a website called FlameFans puts together each week based on the criterion that teams competing in teh playoffs need to have at least 7 Division I level wins. Thanks to FlameFans user SumItUp for putting this together every week:
After Week 5, 11 of the 106 FCS teams have been eliminated from consideration for an at-large bid. Eastern Illinois is the first 2009 playoff participant to be eliminated in the 2010 season. There are now 29 additional teams on the bubble.
Bubble Teams - Bryant, Bucknell, Campbell, Charleston Southern, Citadel, Coastal Carolina, Delaware State, Eastern Kentucky, Elon, Fordham, Gardner-Webb, Howard, Indiana State, Lafayette, Morgan State, Murray State, Nicholls State, North Carolina Central, North Dakota, Northern Colorado, Sacramento State, Sacred Heart, Samford, San Diego, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, Stony Brook, Tennessee-Martin, Towson
Eliminated in Week 5 - Butler, Eastern Illinois, Idaho State, North Carolina A&T, Northwestern State, Presbyterian, Southern Utah, Tennessee Tech, Valparaiso
Look for a preview of the homecoming game this Thursday and for a more in depth look at the Liberty Flames football team, check out Chris Lang's blog at http://www.mynewsadvance.com/index.php/chris_lang
Until Thursday,
Fan the Flames
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fan the Flames Game # 4: James Madison
After being away for a week due to illness
(2-1
#21
(2-1#3
(2-0)
(2-0) Liberty is coming off a road loss to Robert Morris 30-23 just outside of Pittsburgh. It was only their second loss to a team from the state of PA since Danny Rocco took over, and the first loss by LU in the Keystone State since 1994 (34-13 to 2009 National Champion Villanova).
No rest for the weary though as the Flames have to rebound quickly and head p I-81 and face the Dkes from out of the CAA. JMU won the meeting between the two in a monsoon at Williams Stadium 24-10. JMU has actually won the last four meetings between the two programs. JMU is coming off a bye week after upsetting FBS #15 Virginia Tech out of the ACC.
Liberty did nto get off to a fast start last week and they are going to need a fast start if they are going to get the upset here. The weather is looking pleasant for this one so it should not be a factor but JMU is a very good team in multiple facets. If LU can start out like they did agains Ball State two weeks ago and maintain that momentum, I would not be surprised if they pulled off the upset here. I have the Dukes winning in a nailbiter
JMU 34
LU 31
Friday, September 10, 2010
Fan the Flames Game #2: Ball State
The Liberty Flames got off to a slow start in their opener at Lynchburg's City Stadium but after getting down 7-0 early, woke up in a big way as Mike Brown finished with 338 yards passing and 4 TDs and the Flames rolled to a 52-7 win over St Francis. This week, Liberty steps up in competition facing a new foe from a familiar place:
(1-0)
(1-0)
This will be the first meeting between Liberty and Ball State but the Flames have faced MAC competition before, most recently in 2008 when they fell to Toledo 35-34. Ball State defeated another FCS team, SE Missouri State in its opener 27-10. Liberty is not the least bit intimidated by their foe as they have played well against FBS teams since Danny Rocco's arrival in 2006 (including holding a 12 point lead at Toledo before falling). One thing that the Cardinals do well is run the ball, as they did against SEMO. Look for three guys to get the ball throughout, MiQuale Lewis, Cory Sykes and Eric Williams (who led the way with 105 yards last week). If there is one area where BSU could be exposed, its the QB. Kelly Page took up the mantle of departed star QB Nate Davis and had his struggles last year as the Cardinals finished 2-10. Last week against the REdhawks from SEMO, he finished 10-17 for only 85 yards. If Liberty is winning this game they will have to force Page to be the one to beat them. If LU can contain the three back attack, I think they get the upset and finally get that second win over a 1-A/FBS opponent. Im picking the Flames to do just that
Liberty 35
Ball State 24.
(1-0)
(1-0)This will be the first meeting between Liberty and Ball State but the Flames have faced MAC competition before, most recently in 2008 when they fell to Toledo 35-34. Ball State defeated another FCS team, SE Missouri State in its opener 27-10. Liberty is not the least bit intimidated by their foe as they have played well against FBS teams since Danny Rocco's arrival in 2006 (including holding a 12 point lead at Toledo before falling). One thing that the Cardinals do well is run the ball, as they did against SEMO. Look for three guys to get the ball throughout, MiQuale Lewis, Cory Sykes and Eric Williams (who led the way with 105 yards last week). If there is one area where BSU could be exposed, its the QB. Kelly Page took up the mantle of departed star QB Nate Davis and had his struggles last year as the Cardinals finished 2-10. Last week against the REdhawks from SEMO, he finished 10-17 for only 85 yards. If Liberty is winning this game they will have to force Page to be the one to beat them. If LU can contain the three back attack, I think they get the upset and finally get that second win over a 1-A/FBS opponent. Im picking the Flames to do just that
Liberty 35
Ball State 24.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Fan the Flames Game #1: St Francis (PA)
Its time for our look at the first opponent of the 2010 season:
(2-9)
(8-3)
This is the second meeting in four seasons between these two programs...the last time the Red Flash came to Lynchburg, the Flames jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, rolling to a 68-10 victory. Rashad Jennings (now of the Jacksonville Jaguars) ran for 107 yards and a TD while Brock Smith threw for 194 and three TDs of his own.
The Red Flash have a new head coach in Chris Villarial,, former NFL lineman and offensive coordinator under previous head coach Dave Opfar. The Red Flash, out of the Northeast Conference, have not posted a winning season since 1992 (8-2...Liberty went 7-4 that season) and have posted five winless seasons in that span.
Now I would like to take a moment and say before I posted my score prediction that I was on FlameFans (a fan board for Liberty athletics where I post my blogs for discussion) and a fan from Presbyterian College took umbrage with my prediction. To SwissMilitant (who also is an occasional reader of this blog), I did not mean to be either "unprofessional" or "hubristic" in my prediction, but I do think that Liberty will win this one pretty handily. I do expect St Francis (as well as every other opponent that Liberty will face this season (including the Blue Hose) to give their full measure on the field but some teams are just much better than others on a given day and on this given day Liberty will be exactly that against the Red Flash
Liberty 72
St Francis (PA) 0
(2-9)
(8-3)This is the second meeting in four seasons between these two programs...the last time the Red Flash came to Lynchburg, the Flames jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, rolling to a 68-10 victory. Rashad Jennings (now of the Jacksonville Jaguars) ran for 107 yards and a TD while Brock Smith threw for 194 and three TDs of his own.
The Red Flash have a new head coach in Chris Villarial,, former NFL lineman and offensive coordinator under previous head coach Dave Opfar. The Red Flash, out of the Northeast Conference, have not posted a winning season since 1992 (8-2...Liberty went 7-4 that season) and have posted five winless seasons in that span.
Now I would like to take a moment and say before I posted my score prediction that I was on FlameFans (a fan board for Liberty athletics where I post my blogs for discussion) and a fan from Presbyterian College took umbrage with my prediction. To SwissMilitant (who also is an occasional reader of this blog), I did not mean to be either "unprofessional" or "hubristic" in my prediction, but I do think that Liberty will win this one pretty handily. I do expect St Francis (as well as every other opponent that Liberty will face this season (including the Blue Hose) to give their full measure on the field but some teams are just much better than others on a given day and on this given day Liberty will be exactly that against the Red Flash
Liberty 72
St Francis (PA) 0
Monday, August 30, 2010
Fan the Flames Preview Pt 8: 2010 Season Outlook
Its game week...finally...so in the immortal words of Hank Williams Jr...ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?
Let's take a look at the 2010 schedule and my predictions for every game:
Sept. 4 St Francis (PA)
For the first time since 1989, the Liberty Flames open their season someplace other than Williams Stadium as they welcome the Red Flash to Lynchburg City Stadium while the first phase of renovations at Williams Stadium are still being completed.
This is the first of two games for Liberty against the Northeast Conference, which like the Big South gets an automatic qualifier to the FCS playoffs. The last meeting between Liberty and St Francis was about as one sided as the Randy Couture-James Toney fight over the weekend as the Flames rolled to their highest score of the season and won 68-10. The Red Flash debut their new head coach Chris Villarial with this game, and look for the flames to be less than welcoming to the former pro. Flames 72-0
Sept. 11 @ Ball State
The Flames play an FBS opponent for the second consecutive season when the Flames travel to Muncie, IN and face the Cardinals from the MAC. Ball State was the toast of college football two seasons ago as Nate Davis and MiQuale Lewis led them to a 12-0 regular season. Davis has moved on to the NFL, but Lewis is back and hoping to make a name for himself for NFL scouts this season. LU has proven to be a tough out for FBS programs in the last few seasons, losing by one to MAC compatriot Toledo in 2007, losing by 13 to West Virginia to open last season. That game proved to be QB Mike Brown's coming out party as he had two TDs and over 200 yards of offense. LU has not defeated an FBS opponent since 1989 when they defeated another MAC program, Eastern Michigan. I think the Flames get the upset here. Flames 35-24
Sept. 18 @ Robert Morris
This is the second in a three game road swing for LU as they head up to just outside Pittsburgh for their second matchup with an NEC foe as they take on the Colonials. LU's last trip to PA proved fruitful as they knocked off Lafayette College in Easton and Mike Brown passed for over 240 yards. RMU is definitely on the upswing, finishing 5-6 a year ago, winning their last five games of the season after losing 6 in a row. Liberty doesnt want to overlook this game because they play their biggest game of the year the next week. Danny Rocco will have hte boys focused for this one and the Flames will light up the Colonials and set the stage for an epic matchup in Harrisonburg. Flames 31-17
Sept. 25 @ James Madison
This is the game that Flames fans (and no doubt players) had circled on the calendar since the schedule was released. Last year, in a monsoon, the Dukes escaped with a 24-10 victory, handing the Flames only their second home loss in three seasons (the other coming to Lafayette in 2008). Liberty probably needs this game to really cement themselves as an upper echelon program in FCS. JMU following the win over Liberty took a turn in the absolute wrong direction, losing four games in a row before finishing on a four game winning streak. This one will be a barnburner but the Dukes eke out a win Dukes 27-24
Oct. 2 Savannah State
The Flames finally get to rechristen Williams Stadium and welcome a team that...well...to say they are in turmoil would be I think a bit too nice...Liberty wins...big. I wont say the Flames score 80 here but I would not be surprised if they did. Flames 52-0
Oct. 9 Charleson Southern (Homecoming)
Its homecoming weekend on the mountain and the Flames kick off the quest for the first Big South AQ by welcoming the Buccaneers. CSU has certainly improved a lot since Jay Mills took over, but one thing has remained somewhat constant...they cant beat the Flames. The best chance they had was in 2009 but Mike Brown tossed a late TD pass and LU escaped with a 20-13 decision. Last time LU hosted CSU it was homecoming...and the Bucs were sunk 42-0. LU wont win that big, but I expect a solid win here. Flames 28-17
Oct. 16 @ VMI
The Keydets decided to do some major overhauling, scrapping the triple option offense that led teh nation in rushing and switching to a more pro-style game. VMI has not stayed within single digits of the Flames since a 10-7 win in 2005 (including getting destroyed 73-34 and 54-14 in their last two trips to Lynchburg. VMI has never beaten the Flames in Lexington ( the 2005 win is their only one in the series) and I dont expect this year to be any different. Flames 31-7
Oct. 30 @ Presbyterian
Flames fans remember the last trip to Clinton so Im not going to rehash that one, but LU has proven very good at exacting revenge and I expect justice to be served. Flames 41-0
Nov. 6 Gardner-Webb
This game is of personal significance because Nov 6 is my sister's 27th birthday. Gardner-Webb has been run out of town the last two meetings (including a 51-28 shellacking in Boiling Springs last year). The Runnin Bulldogs have a tendency to crawl into the finish and with a three game stretch: home vs Coastal, away @ Stony Brook AND LU, that isnt conducive to a strong finishing kick either. LU wins this one Flames 42-21
Nov. 13. @ Coastal Carolina
Myrtle Beach had proved to be a Bermuda Triangle of sorts for the Flames as they lost both previous trips, but they finally broke through in a big way, taking an old West shootout 43-38. Coastal has been going in the wrong direction since winning three Big South titles (sharing with CSU in 2005). Coach David Bennett has to be on the hot seat with the Chants struggles in recent years (including getting mowed down by LU 55-19 last season). The Chants always seem to play well under the lights at Brooks Stadium so I expect another close game but the Flames set up a winner take all game next week. Flames 35-31
Nov. 20 Stony Brook
this is the game of the year in the Big South IMO. this is the third meeting between the two (second as conference foes and both know that this probably will be the ONLY way to make it into the playoffs. Stony Brook had a dramatic late TD to steal a win from the Flames in NY last year, but LU shellacked the Seawolves in their only trip to Lynchburg. I expect a matchup with the intensity of a heavyweight fight in the 1980s with both teanms leaving everything on the field. The Flames cap off their fourth straight (and third outright) Big South title in style with a payback win Flames 42-36
Let's take a look at the 2010 schedule and my predictions for every game:
Sept. 4 St Francis (PA)
For the first time since 1989, the Liberty Flames open their season someplace other than Williams Stadium as they welcome the Red Flash to Lynchburg City Stadium while the first phase of renovations at Williams Stadium are still being completed.
This is the first of two games for Liberty against the Northeast Conference, which like the Big South gets an automatic qualifier to the FCS playoffs. The last meeting between Liberty and St Francis was about as one sided as the Randy Couture-James Toney fight over the weekend as the Flames rolled to their highest score of the season and won 68-10. The Red Flash debut their new head coach Chris Villarial with this game, and look for the flames to be less than welcoming to the former pro. Flames 72-0
Sept. 11 @ Ball State
The Flames play an FBS opponent for the second consecutive season when the Flames travel to Muncie, IN and face the Cardinals from the MAC. Ball State was the toast of college football two seasons ago as Nate Davis and MiQuale Lewis led them to a 12-0 regular season. Davis has moved on to the NFL, but Lewis is back and hoping to make a name for himself for NFL scouts this season. LU has proven to be a tough out for FBS programs in the last few seasons, losing by one to MAC compatriot Toledo in 2007, losing by 13 to West Virginia to open last season. That game proved to be QB Mike Brown's coming out party as he had two TDs and over 200 yards of offense. LU has not defeated an FBS opponent since 1989 when they defeated another MAC program, Eastern Michigan. I think the Flames get the upset here. Flames 35-24
Sept. 18 @ Robert Morris
This is the second in a three game road swing for LU as they head up to just outside Pittsburgh for their second matchup with an NEC foe as they take on the Colonials. LU's last trip to PA proved fruitful as they knocked off Lafayette College in Easton and Mike Brown passed for over 240 yards. RMU is definitely on the upswing, finishing 5-6 a year ago, winning their last five games of the season after losing 6 in a row. Liberty doesnt want to overlook this game because they play their biggest game of the year the next week. Danny Rocco will have hte boys focused for this one and the Flames will light up the Colonials and set the stage for an epic matchup in Harrisonburg. Flames 31-17
Sept. 25 @ James Madison
This is the game that Flames fans (and no doubt players) had circled on the calendar since the schedule was released. Last year, in a monsoon, the Dukes escaped with a 24-10 victory, handing the Flames only their second home loss in three seasons (the other coming to Lafayette in 2008). Liberty probably needs this game to really cement themselves as an upper echelon program in FCS. JMU following the win over Liberty took a turn in the absolute wrong direction, losing four games in a row before finishing on a four game winning streak. This one will be a barnburner but the Dukes eke out a win Dukes 27-24
Oct. 2 Savannah State
The Flames finally get to rechristen Williams Stadium and welcome a team that...well...to say they are in turmoil would be I think a bit too nice...Liberty wins...big. I wont say the Flames score 80 here but I would not be surprised if they did. Flames 52-0
Oct. 9 Charleson Southern (Homecoming)
Its homecoming weekend on the mountain and the Flames kick off the quest for the first Big South AQ by welcoming the Buccaneers. CSU has certainly improved a lot since Jay Mills took over, but one thing has remained somewhat constant...they cant beat the Flames. The best chance they had was in 2009 but Mike Brown tossed a late TD pass and LU escaped with a 20-13 decision. Last time LU hosted CSU it was homecoming...and the Bucs were sunk 42-0. LU wont win that big, but I expect a solid win here. Flames 28-17
Oct. 16 @ VMI
The Keydets decided to do some major overhauling, scrapping the triple option offense that led teh nation in rushing and switching to a more pro-style game. VMI has not stayed within single digits of the Flames since a 10-7 win in 2005 (including getting destroyed 73-34 and 54-14 in their last two trips to Lynchburg. VMI has never beaten the Flames in Lexington ( the 2005 win is their only one in the series) and I dont expect this year to be any different. Flames 31-7
Oct. 30 @ Presbyterian
Flames fans remember the last trip to Clinton so Im not going to rehash that one, but LU has proven very good at exacting revenge and I expect justice to be served. Flames 41-0
Nov. 6 Gardner-Webb
This game is of personal significance because Nov 6 is my sister's 27th birthday. Gardner-Webb has been run out of town the last two meetings (including a 51-28 shellacking in Boiling Springs last year). The Runnin Bulldogs have a tendency to crawl into the finish and with a three game stretch: home vs Coastal, away @ Stony Brook AND LU, that isnt conducive to a strong finishing kick either. LU wins this one Flames 42-21
Nov. 13. @ Coastal Carolina
Myrtle Beach had proved to be a Bermuda Triangle of sorts for the Flames as they lost both previous trips, but they finally broke through in a big way, taking an old West shootout 43-38. Coastal has been going in the wrong direction since winning three Big South titles (sharing with CSU in 2005). Coach David Bennett has to be on the hot seat with the Chants struggles in recent years (including getting mowed down by LU 55-19 last season). The Chants always seem to play well under the lights at Brooks Stadium so I expect another close game but the Flames set up a winner take all game next week. Flames 35-31
Nov. 20 Stony Brook
this is the game of the year in the Big South IMO. this is the third meeting between the two (second as conference foes and both know that this probably will be the ONLY way to make it into the playoffs. Stony Brook had a dramatic late TD to steal a win from the Flames in NY last year, but LU shellacked the Seawolves in their only trip to Lynchburg. I expect a matchup with the intensity of a heavyweight fight in the 1980s with both teanms leaving everything on the field. The Flames cap off their fourth straight (and third outright) Big South title in style with a payback win Flames 42-36
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Fan the Flames Preview Pt. 7: DB
TIme for the last position preview before my annual season predictions.
Players Lost
Chuck Duffey
Chris Rocco (Second Team All Big South)
Tim Torrence
Players Returning
Donald Manns
Kevin Fogg
Brandon Robinson
Thomas Nelson
DJ Edmond
Larry Claiborne
Chris Mayo
Chris McAlister
KaJuan Lee (First Team All Big South)
Ron Hobby
Sorie Bayoh
Players Incoming
Randy Spann 5'11" 205 Lbs Glen Burnie Md (Old Mill HS)
Jacob Hagen 6'3" 195 Lbs Orange Park, FL (Orange Park HS)
Kenny Scott 5'10" 165 Lbs Appomattox, VA (Appomattox HS)
This is probably the position with the lowest turnover of any position on the roster with only three players gone from last year...on the downside though, the passing defense was what bit the Flames when it mattered most against Stony Brook. with with a few changes to the defense they are hoping to keep something like that from happening again. Donald Manns is looking to go out with a bang after dealing with injuries in the middle part of his career and Lee looks to continue his rise from running back also-ran to elite corner in the Big South
Players Lost
Chuck Duffey
Chris Rocco (Second Team All Big South)
Tim Torrence
Players Returning
Donald Manns
Kevin Fogg
Brandon Robinson
Thomas Nelson
DJ Edmond
Larry Claiborne
Chris Mayo
Chris McAlister
KaJuan Lee (First Team All Big South)
Ron Hobby
Sorie Bayoh
Players Incoming
Randy Spann 5'11" 205 Lbs Glen Burnie Md (Old Mill HS)
Jacob Hagen 6'3" 195 Lbs Orange Park, FL (Orange Park HS)
Kenny Scott 5'10" 165 Lbs Appomattox, VA (Appomattox HS)
This is probably the position with the lowest turnover of any position on the roster with only three players gone from last year...on the downside though, the passing defense was what bit the Flames when it mattered most against Stony Brook. with with a few changes to the defense they are hoping to keep something like that from happening again. Donald Manns is looking to go out with a bang after dealing with injuries in the middle part of his career and Lee looks to continue his rise from running back also-ran to elite corner in the Big South
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fan the Flames Preview Pt. 6: LB
After taking a brief hiatus we are going to jump back in as we are just over a week to go until the season opener at City Stadium. Today and Saturday we will look at the last two positions. Today its the LBs:
Players Lost:
Wes Cheek
Ian Childress
Cameron Gillespie
Players Returning:
Mike Connolly
Demetrius Ward
Doncel Bolt
Chad Brown
Kyle O'Donnell
Marques Jenkins
Brent Vinson
Danny Broggin (converted from RB)
Players Incoming:
Matthew Baptiste 6'0" 215 Lbs Virginia Beach, VA (Ocean Lakes HS)
Scott Hyland 6'1" 220 Lbs Forest, VA (Liberty Christian Academy)
Nick Sigmon 6'2" 240 Lbs Roanoke, VA (Northside HS)
A linebacker has led the defense in tackles the last seven years. Expect more of the same this year, and lok for Brent Vinson to be more of a playmaker from the new "adjuster" position in the Flames defense as they switch to a 3-3-5 this year.
Players Lost:
Wes Cheek
Ian Childress
Cameron Gillespie
Players Returning:
Mike Connolly
Demetrius Ward
Doncel Bolt
Chad Brown
Kyle O'Donnell
Marques Jenkins
Brent Vinson
Danny Broggin (converted from RB)
Players Incoming:
Matthew Baptiste 6'0" 215 Lbs Virginia Beach, VA (Ocean Lakes HS)
Scott Hyland 6'1" 220 Lbs Forest, VA (Liberty Christian Academy)
Nick Sigmon 6'2" 240 Lbs Roanoke, VA (Northside HS)
A linebacker has led the defense in tackles the last seven years. Expect more of the same this year, and lok for Brent Vinson to be more of a playmaker from the new "adjuster" position in the Flames defense as they switch to a 3-3-5 this year.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Fan the Flames Preview: DL
Only 23 days til the 2010 opener for the three time champion Liberty Flames, and this week we take a look at the other side of the trenches with the Defensive Line
Players Lost:
Trey Jacobs (First team All Big South)
Players Returning:
Darryl Robertson
Asa Chapman (Second team All Big South)
Patrick Bannon
Paco Varol
Justin Gunn
Greg Schuster
Bryant Llewellyn
Tim Smith
Terry Adams
Cody Freeman
Players Incoming:
Dylan Bowman 6-3 240 Lbs Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Matt Stokes 6-2 250 Lbs Ft Lauderdale, FL
The big boys up front are led by all conference selections Chapman (who Ive met and I seriously think he could snap me in half on his worst day) and UVa transfer Robertson but a guy who has really come on as the years progressed has been Terry Adams. He is an early choice at starter on the other end opposite Pat Bannon(who converted from LB to end in 2009). look for former walk-on Llewellyn to push Schuster for the backup NG role behind "Big Asa" and expect Robertson to get plenty of chances to get on the field and raise some hell in backfields this year.
Players Lost:
Trey Jacobs (First team All Big South)
Players Returning:
Darryl Robertson
Asa Chapman (Second team All Big South)
Patrick Bannon
Paco Varol
Justin Gunn
Greg Schuster
Bryant Llewellyn
Tim Smith
Terry Adams
Cody Freeman
Players Incoming:
Dylan Bowman 6-3 240 Lbs Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Matt Stokes 6-2 250 Lbs Ft Lauderdale, FL
The big boys up front are led by all conference selections Chapman (who Ive met and I seriously think he could snap me in half on his worst day) and UVa transfer Robertson but a guy who has really come on as the years progressed has been Terry Adams. He is an early choice at starter on the other end opposite Pat Bannon(who converted from LB to end in 2009). look for former walk-on Llewellyn to push Schuster for the backup NG role behind "Big Asa" and expect Robertson to get plenty of chances to get on the field and raise some hell in backfields this year.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fan the Flames Preview: OL
Now we are getting to teh big boys in our next two posts...the young men battling in the trenches...this week...the OL
Players Lost:
Tim Hartman
Bryan Mosier (first team All-Big South)
Josh Weaver (first team All-Big South)
Mario Cosby (second team All-Big South)
Players Returning:
Alex Stadler (second team All-Big South)
Justin Vargas
Stan Herring
Malcolm Boyd
Toney White
Matt Camire
Aaron Lundy
Jay Weatherington
Soeren Wendland
Aaron Brown
Matthew Brink
Jeremiah Williams
Players Incoming:
Andre Mondor 6-4 320 Lbs Tampa, FL
Greg Ray 6-4 300 Lbs Pearisburg, VA
Its tough when you lose three all conference linemen to graduation like Liberty did but there are plenty of young men chomping at the bit. Thanks to Chris Lang (beat writer for LU with the Lynchburg News and Advance) I was able to piece together what the starting five up front looks like going into practice (which starts today):
LT Justin Vargas
LG Malcolm Boyd
C Matt Camire
RG Alex Stadler
RT Soeren Wendland
Vargas and Stadler spent the spring and summer recovering from injuries but sounds to me like they are good to go for the season so there will be a ton of experience up front plowing holes for the RBs and for Mike Brown. There is word of an incoming transfer but its not known by this writer if he will be able to play this fall but soon as I hear word I will pass it along.
Players Lost:
Tim Hartman
Bryan Mosier (first team All-Big South)
Josh Weaver (first team All-Big South)
Mario Cosby (second team All-Big South)
Players Returning:
Alex Stadler (second team All-Big South)
Justin Vargas
Stan Herring
Malcolm Boyd
Toney White
Matt Camire
Aaron Lundy
Jay Weatherington
Soeren Wendland
Aaron Brown
Matthew Brink
Jeremiah Williams
Players Incoming:
Andre Mondor 6-4 320 Lbs Tampa, FL
Greg Ray 6-4 300 Lbs Pearisburg, VA
Its tough when you lose three all conference linemen to graduation like Liberty did but there are plenty of young men chomping at the bit. Thanks to Chris Lang (beat writer for LU with the Lynchburg News and Advance) I was able to piece together what the starting five up front looks like going into practice (which starts today):
LT Justin Vargas
LG Malcolm Boyd
C Matt Camire
RG Alex Stadler
RT Soeren Wendland
Vargas and Stadler spent the spring and summer recovering from injuries but sounds to me like they are good to go for the season so there will be a ton of experience up front plowing holes for the RBs and for Mike Brown. There is word of an incoming transfer but its not known by this writer if he will be able to play this fall but soon as I hear word I will pass it along.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Fan the Flames Preview: WR/TE
We continue our look at the 2010 Flames by looking at the wideouts and the tight ends. First the WRs:
Players Lost:
Freddie Brown
Aaron Hewlett
Players Returning:
(Note: Mike Brown is also going to see some snaps at wideout and was the leading receiver in 2009 but most of his time will be at QB.)
Chris Summers 46 catches 603 yards 4 TDs (led WRs in TDs)
BJ Hayes 15 catches 119 yards
Jimmy Eden 8 catches 49 yards
Ervin Garner 6 catches 124 yards
Pat Kelly 3 catches 24 yards
Kyle DeArmon did not register a catch in 2009
Players Incoming:
Greg Pratt 5-8 165 Lbs Naples, FL (Troy State University)
Summers had a big year last year, earning second team all conference (Note: earlier today Summers was named preseason all-conference at the Big South media day). Look for him to be Mike Brown's favorite target when he comes out from under center. BJ Hayes moves from the backfield back to WR, and Jimmy Eden (despite an extended trip to the hospital after an appendectomy) Ervin Garner and Pat Kelly will also be contributing. Look for Troy State transfer Greg Pratt to make an immediate impact as well.
Tight Ends
Players Lost:
Will Quarles 9 catches 116 yards 4 TDs (tied for team lead) Second Team All Big South
Players Returning:
Tommy Shaver 3 catches 35 yards 1 TD
Eric Fath (2009 redshirt)
Patrick Gibson (2009 redshirt)
Matthias Wrede (converted from OL to TE in 2009)
Players Incoming:
Kevin Widener 6-4 260 Lbs Lebanon, VA
Look for Shaver to step into the starting TE to replace Quarles with Fath as his backup (and coming in for two TE sets).
Players Lost:
Freddie Brown
Aaron Hewlett
Players Returning:
(Note: Mike Brown is also going to see some snaps at wideout and was the leading receiver in 2009 but most of his time will be at QB.)
Chris Summers 46 catches 603 yards 4 TDs (led WRs in TDs)
BJ Hayes 15 catches 119 yards
Jimmy Eden 8 catches 49 yards
Ervin Garner 6 catches 124 yards
Pat Kelly 3 catches 24 yards
Kyle DeArmon did not register a catch in 2009
Players Incoming:
Greg Pratt 5-8 165 Lbs Naples, FL (Troy State University)
Summers had a big year last year, earning second team all conference (Note: earlier today Summers was named preseason all-conference at the Big South media day). Look for him to be Mike Brown's favorite target when he comes out from under center. BJ Hayes moves from the backfield back to WR, and Jimmy Eden (despite an extended trip to the hospital after an appendectomy) Ervin Garner and Pat Kelly will also be contributing. Look for Troy State transfer Greg Pratt to make an immediate impact as well.
Tight Ends
Players Lost:
Will Quarles 9 catches 116 yards 4 TDs (tied for team lead) Second Team All Big South
Players Returning:
Tommy Shaver 3 catches 35 yards 1 TD
Eric Fath (2009 redshirt)
Patrick Gibson (2009 redshirt)
Matthias Wrede (converted from OL to TE in 2009)
Players Incoming:
Kevin Widener 6-4 260 Lbs Lebanon, VA
Look for Shaver to step into the starting TE to replace Quarles with Fath as his backup (and coming in for two TE sets).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Fan the Flames 2010 Preview: RB
For part 2 of my look at the 2010 Liberty Flames, we'll move to the other members of the backfield, the running backs and fullbacks. First, a look at the running backs:
Players Lost:
Danny Broggin (switched to DB)
BJ Hayes (switched to WR)
Terron Lawrence
Players Returning
Aldreakis Allen- 118 Rushes 530 Yards (led team) 9 TDs (tied for team lead)
SirChauncey Holloway- 54 Rushes 285 Yards 7 TDs
Korrey Davis (sat out 2009 due to transfer rules)
Chase Barnett (2009 Redshirt)
Players Incoming:
Desmond Rice 5-8 190 Lbs Lynchburg, VA (Liberty Christian Academy)
When you have someone as dynamic as Mike Brown on your team, it pays to have somebody who can shoulder some of the load since he cant do it all by himself, and Allen and Holloway were more than up to the task in 2009. UMass transfer Davis is from nearby Heritage High School and showed some of how good he can be in spring practice, so look for those three to be battling for the top two spots on the depth chart, with Barnett getting some late game carries as well unless somebody gets hurt. I wouldnt be the least bit surprised if Rice redshirted for this season.
Fullbacks
Players Lost:
Derek Bishop
Mark Malvaso
Players Returning:
Nathan Revell (moved from LB)
John Carter Jr. (2009 Redshirt)
Players Incoming:
Francis Bah 6-2 250 Lbs. Duisburg, Germany (Lise-Meitner Gesamtschule)2010 signee
Ryan Mickens 6-0 230 Lbs. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (University Christian) 2010 signee
Liberty lost both of their fullbacks from 2009 to graduation so its an open competition as to who will be leading the way through any holes created by the offensive line. Bah is easily the biggest of the candidates but look for a three way battle at that position as well.
Players Lost:
Danny Broggin (switched to DB)
BJ Hayes (switched to WR)
Terron Lawrence
Players Returning
Aldreakis Allen- 118 Rushes 530 Yards (led team) 9 TDs (tied for team lead)
SirChauncey Holloway- 54 Rushes 285 Yards 7 TDs
Korrey Davis (sat out 2009 due to transfer rules)
Chase Barnett (2009 Redshirt)
Players Incoming:
Desmond Rice 5-8 190 Lbs Lynchburg, VA (Liberty Christian Academy)
When you have someone as dynamic as Mike Brown on your team, it pays to have somebody who can shoulder some of the load since he cant do it all by himself, and Allen and Holloway were more than up to the task in 2009. UMass transfer Davis is from nearby Heritage High School and showed some of how good he can be in spring practice, so look for those three to be battling for the top two spots on the depth chart, with Barnett getting some late game carries as well unless somebody gets hurt. I wouldnt be the least bit surprised if Rice redshirted for this season.
Fullbacks
Players Lost:
Derek Bishop
Mark Malvaso
Players Returning:
Nathan Revell (moved from LB)
John Carter Jr. (2009 Redshirt)
Players Incoming:
Francis Bah 6-2 250 Lbs. Duisburg, Germany (Lise-Meitner Gesamtschule)2010 signee
Ryan Mickens 6-0 230 Lbs. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (University Christian) 2010 signee
Liberty lost both of their fullbacks from 2009 to graduation so its an open competition as to who will be leading the way through any holes created by the offensive line. Bah is easily the biggest of the candidates but look for a three way battle at that position as well.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Fan the Flames 2010 Preview: QB
Well its time for me to put on my writer's hat once again as we look ahead to the 2010 season (thanks to Sly for inspiring me with his posting of opponent previews).
As we count down the last weeks until training camp and the season opener on September 4, I'll be posting my thoughts and breakdown of the various positions each Wednesday. Today we start with probably the most talked about position last year, the QB.
Going into 2009 there was a lot of debate (especially on here) as to who would be the new face under center for the Liberty Flames. Brock Smith completed an amazing four year stretch being named to the Big South First team all conference and leaving his mark in a number of QB statistics all time (finishing third in passing yards, second in TD passes, tops in passing efficiency and second in completion percentage, and to put the icing on the cake, second in total offense), his would be very big shoes to fill (figuratively and literally). Mike Brown and Spencer Landis were seen as the two looking to battle for that spot going into the spring, and then a new face joined the party...South Carolina QB Tommy Beecher left Columbia and he landed himself in Lynchburg, VA. Beecher missed the spring practice but when preseason rolled around, it was Beecher and Mike Brown who would be battling for the starting spot with Landis moving behind redshirt freshman Tyler Brennan. Brown's dynamic playmaking abilities were not lost on the coaching staff, so when the season opener against West VIrginia from the Big East rolled around, he was listed as a WR and Beecher was the starting QB.
The quasi-2 QB system worked as Beecher finished the season with 1700 yards passing and nine TDs on the way to being named second team all conference while Brown left his mark all over the stat sheet, finishing as the team's leading rusher, second leading passer (behind Beecher) and the team's leading receiver.
Now its 2010. Beecher has graduated and moved on and Mike Brown is "the man" at QB. He still will get his chances at WR but if Brown is to make his own mark this season it will be with his arm and his legs.
Quarterback
Players lost:
Tommy Beecher
Spencer Landis
Players returning:
Mike Brown
Tyler Brennan
Brian Hudson (2009 redshirt)
Players incoming:
Brian Reese 6-2 220 Lbs Chambersburg, PA (Walk-on)
Gabriel Henderson 5-11 190 Lbs Garner, NC (2010 signee)
This position is Mike Brown's to lose. He will be spending "75%" of the offensive snaps as the QB, but he will have a few opportunities to split out and show his gamebreaking ability, and for those moments, look for Tyler Brennan to get his opportunity to show what he can do. In a sense this will be like a two year audition of sorts for Brennan as Brown likely will be the starter for the next two seasons, but look for Brian Hudson to push him, especially as he gets his chances to show his skills (most likely in late game situations where the score has already been decided). The real interesting situation at this position is likely going to be for the 2012 season as Class of 2010 signee Gabe Henderson will enter the mix along with walk-on Brian Reese. Look for both to redshirt this season unless there is an injury to one of the other three QBs on the roster.
As we count down the last weeks until training camp and the season opener on September 4, I'll be posting my thoughts and breakdown of the various positions each Wednesday. Today we start with probably the most talked about position last year, the QB.
Going into 2009 there was a lot of debate (especially on here) as to who would be the new face under center for the Liberty Flames. Brock Smith completed an amazing four year stretch being named to the Big South First team all conference and leaving his mark in a number of QB statistics all time (finishing third in passing yards, second in TD passes, tops in passing efficiency and second in completion percentage, and to put the icing on the cake, second in total offense), his would be very big shoes to fill (figuratively and literally). Mike Brown and Spencer Landis were seen as the two looking to battle for that spot going into the spring, and then a new face joined the party...South Carolina QB Tommy Beecher left Columbia and he landed himself in Lynchburg, VA. Beecher missed the spring practice but when preseason rolled around, it was Beecher and Mike Brown who would be battling for the starting spot with Landis moving behind redshirt freshman Tyler Brennan. Brown's dynamic playmaking abilities were not lost on the coaching staff, so when the season opener against West VIrginia from the Big East rolled around, he was listed as a WR and Beecher was the starting QB.
The quasi-2 QB system worked as Beecher finished the season with 1700 yards passing and nine TDs on the way to being named second team all conference while Brown left his mark all over the stat sheet, finishing as the team's leading rusher, second leading passer (behind Beecher) and the team's leading receiver.
Now its 2010. Beecher has graduated and moved on and Mike Brown is "the man" at QB. He still will get his chances at WR but if Brown is to make his own mark this season it will be with his arm and his legs.
Quarterback
Players lost:
Tommy Beecher
Spencer Landis
Players returning:
Mike Brown
Tyler Brennan
Brian Hudson (2009 redshirt)
Players incoming:
Brian Reese 6-2 220 Lbs Chambersburg, PA (Walk-on)
Gabriel Henderson 5-11 190 Lbs Garner, NC (2010 signee)
This position is Mike Brown's to lose. He will be spending "75%" of the offensive snaps as the QB, but he will have a few opportunities to split out and show his gamebreaking ability, and for those moments, look for Tyler Brennan to get his opportunity to show what he can do. In a sense this will be like a two year audition of sorts for Brennan as Brown likely will be the starter for the next two seasons, but look for Brian Hudson to push him, especially as he gets his chances to show his skills (most likely in late game situations where the score has already been decided). The real interesting situation at this position is likely going to be for the 2012 season as Class of 2010 signee Gabe Henderson will enter the mix along with walk-on Brian Reese. Look for both to redshirt this season unless there is an injury to one of the other three QBs on the roster.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Fan the Flames 2010 Preview
Well Flames Fans after a long hiatus (grad school will do that to a person), Fan the Flames is back just in time for the 2010 football season. Preseason training camp starts in a few weeks and so we are going to be taking a look at the Flames in our next few postings and then in the two weeks leading up to the Sept. 4 opener, look at the Flames 2010 opponents. Starting tomorrow we will open by looking at the QB position, which will be looking a lot more sure this year after some debate that lasted much of the spring and well into the season.
Until tomorrow,
Fan the Flames
Until tomorrow,
Fan the Flames
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
LU Weekly Sports Review 03/16
We're back again with a look at teh week that was in LU Sports:
Baseball
LU took two of three from Big East member St Johns winning 9-1 and 12-9 before falling in the finale 7-6 on Sunday. On Friday the Flames were led by freshman Josh Richardson who finished 2-4 with three runs scored. Tyler Bream went 1-3 and drove in one and Shawn Teufel remained unbeaten on the 2010 season as he went six innings allowing four hits and striking out five. Saturday was teh PJ Jimenez show as the senior transfer from CA went 4-5 with three runs scored. Tyler Bream went 2-4 with three RBIs and Curran Redal and Trey Wimmer hit home runs to back Keegan Linza who also remained unbeaten on the year as he went 6 1/3 innings allowing six hits and four runs (only one earned) while striking out 6 although he did not factor in the decision. CHris Roach, a junio college transfer from NJ, pitched 1 2/3 innings to pick up his first victory of the season in relief. On Sunday the Red Storm were able to salvage a win in the last game of the series by rallying from down three to force extra innings and pushed one across in the 11th to pick up a 7-6 win. Curran Redal and Tyler Bream both went 3-6 for the Flames and Steven Evans had another fine start going seven innings allowing two runs on three hits and striking out four, but the bullpen could not hold the lead as the loss went to Dane Beakler, coming back after a year off from an injury. LU's record fell to 11-2 on the year with the loss while St Johns improved to 8-5. LU has a couple midweek contests with JMU and Duke before returning to the friendly confines of Worthington Stadium for a three game set with Manhattan.
Softball
the Lady Flames took a trip to Alabama after a successful weekend in GA to face the #10 Crimson Tide, 2009 Women's College World Series participant. The bats came alive early as they dropped a five spot in the second inning, thanks to a grand slam by Ashley Bensinger. The Tide rallied, scoring six runs in their half to tie the game, and then took the lead for good following a storm delay with three runs in the fifth inning and held on for a 10-7 win. Danielle Howard went 2-3 for the Flames, launching a home run of her own while Kelly Strickland extended her hit streak to six games with a home run. Tiffani Smith took the loss.
Then it was off to Tennessee where the Flames would take on Tennessee Tech before heading to Rocky Top for the Tennessee Spring Classic where they would face CAmpbell, Tennessee Tech and the 19th ranked Lady Vols. They got off to a good start as they picked up their first win over Tennessee Tech by a score of 6-2 Kelly Strickland went 2-2, and Cassie Hendrix went 2-3 with a home run to back freshman hurler Katie Warrington and junior Tiffani Smith, who got teh win going 3 2/3 allwoing one hit and striking out seven. After their first matchup with Tennessee was cancelled due to heavy rains in the area, teh Lady Flames picked up another win over teh Golden Eagles, this time by a 4-1 score. Jenny Law stepped up and led the way for teh victors, going 2-3 with a double, while Kelly Strickland added another home run and Smith picked up her second win in as many games, this time going four innings while allowing one hit and striking out seven.
Next up was the Campbell Camels, former Big South foe and teh Camels were able to jump out early with four runs in the second inning and four more in the sixth on the way to a 10-4 win. Kelly Strickland upped her hit streak to nine games with a home run and senior J'nae Jefferson also went deep for Liberty. Freshman Katrina Johnson took the loss. The ladies rebounded and took their third straight over Tennessee Tech, once again by a 6-2 score. Kelly Strickland upped her streak to ten straight games with a hit while Katie Warrington earned her fourth win in the circle. Finally the Flames got their chance to face teh Lady VOls and they showed why they were the 19th ranked team in the country as Ivy Renfroe went four no hit innings and the VOls won by a score of 10-0. J'nae Jefferson and Amber DePasquale had hits for the Lady Flames while Kelly Strickland went 0-2 to end her streak at ten games. Tiffani Smith took the loss in the circle. The ladies conclude their spring break run with a doubleheader today against East Tennessee State before jumping into Big South Conference play against Radford.
Track
The indoor season came to a close for the Flames and LAdy Flames as Sam Chelanga and Jaime Watson represented Liberty at the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, AR. Chelanga finished second in the 5000 while Watson, making her first trip as a senior, finished eighth in the 800 meters. The rest of the team headed off to Conway, SC to kick off the outdoor season at rival Coastal Carolina. The Flames and Lady Flames had event winners on the weekend, as Ryan Smith won the shot put in dominating fashion, Kevin Reddington won the long jump, and Evans Kigen took the 3000 meter steeplechase. On the women's side, Alyssa Pegues sprinted (literally) to a victory in the 100 meters. Liberty is next in action this weekend as tehy stay in Conway for the Shamrock Invitational, also hosted by Coastal Carolina
Tennis and Golf
The Liberty mens and women's tennis teams both saw success down in Orlando, FL this past week as teh men won three matches over Fairfield, Northern Illinois and SOuthern Illinois-Edwardsville, while the women lost their first match to Fairfield but logged a win over the Lady Huskies of Connecticut. Chad Simpson was also honored by the Big South Conference as CO-Men's Tennis player of the week for his success in FL. Both teams will be in action this weekend as they conclude spring break with a trip to Clinton, SC to match up with the Blue Hose of Presbyterian.
The Liberty golf team continued its success as they took fourth place at the Palmetto Invitational hosted by USC Aiken last week. Sophomore RObert Karlsson led the way as he finished runner up in the individual competition. The Flames are in Florida this week for the Rio Pinar Invitational hosted by Central Florida.
Lacrosse
Finally this week, the Lady Flames lacrosse team was back in action as they headed to Jacksonville to face the Blackbirds of Long Island University (no that is not a misprint). Freshman Lauren See had a hat trick and keeper Rebekah Leutters had 11 saves but it wasnt enough as LIU jumped out to a 4-0 lead and never looked back as they defeated Liberty 19-9. The ladies will remain in Jacksonville and face National Lacrosse Conference foe Jacksonville on Thursday.
That's it for a crazy busy week in LU sports...until next time,
Fan the Flames
Baseball
LU took two of three from Big East member St Johns winning 9-1 and 12-9 before falling in the finale 7-6 on Sunday. On Friday the Flames were led by freshman Josh Richardson who finished 2-4 with three runs scored. Tyler Bream went 1-3 and drove in one and Shawn Teufel remained unbeaten on the 2010 season as he went six innings allowing four hits and striking out five. Saturday was teh PJ Jimenez show as the senior transfer from CA went 4-5 with three runs scored. Tyler Bream went 2-4 with three RBIs and Curran Redal and Trey Wimmer hit home runs to back Keegan Linza who also remained unbeaten on the year as he went 6 1/3 innings allowing six hits and four runs (only one earned) while striking out 6 although he did not factor in the decision. CHris Roach, a junio college transfer from NJ, pitched 1 2/3 innings to pick up his first victory of the season in relief. On Sunday the Red Storm were able to salvage a win in the last game of the series by rallying from down three to force extra innings and pushed one across in the 11th to pick up a 7-6 win. Curran Redal and Tyler Bream both went 3-6 for the Flames and Steven Evans had another fine start going seven innings allowing two runs on three hits and striking out four, but the bullpen could not hold the lead as the loss went to Dane Beakler, coming back after a year off from an injury. LU's record fell to 11-2 on the year with the loss while St Johns improved to 8-5. LU has a couple midweek contests with JMU and Duke before returning to the friendly confines of Worthington Stadium for a three game set with Manhattan.
Softball
the Lady Flames took a trip to Alabama after a successful weekend in GA to face the #10 Crimson Tide, 2009 Women's College World Series participant. The bats came alive early as they dropped a five spot in the second inning, thanks to a grand slam by Ashley Bensinger. The Tide rallied, scoring six runs in their half to tie the game, and then took the lead for good following a storm delay with three runs in the fifth inning and held on for a 10-7 win. Danielle Howard went 2-3 for the Flames, launching a home run of her own while Kelly Strickland extended her hit streak to six games with a home run. Tiffani Smith took the loss.
Then it was off to Tennessee where the Flames would take on Tennessee Tech before heading to Rocky Top for the Tennessee Spring Classic where they would face CAmpbell, Tennessee Tech and the 19th ranked Lady Vols. They got off to a good start as they picked up their first win over Tennessee Tech by a score of 6-2 Kelly Strickland went 2-2, and Cassie Hendrix went 2-3 with a home run to back freshman hurler Katie Warrington and junior Tiffani Smith, who got teh win going 3 2/3 allwoing one hit and striking out seven. After their first matchup with Tennessee was cancelled due to heavy rains in the area, teh Lady Flames picked up another win over teh Golden Eagles, this time by a 4-1 score. Jenny Law stepped up and led the way for teh victors, going 2-3 with a double, while Kelly Strickland added another home run and Smith picked up her second win in as many games, this time going four innings while allowing one hit and striking out seven.
Next up was the Campbell Camels, former Big South foe and teh Camels were able to jump out early with four runs in the second inning and four more in the sixth on the way to a 10-4 win. Kelly Strickland upped her hit streak to nine games with a home run and senior J'nae Jefferson also went deep for Liberty. Freshman Katrina Johnson took the loss. The ladies rebounded and took their third straight over Tennessee Tech, once again by a 6-2 score. Kelly Strickland upped her streak to ten straight games with a hit while Katie Warrington earned her fourth win in the circle. Finally the Flames got their chance to face teh Lady VOls and they showed why they were the 19th ranked team in the country as Ivy Renfroe went four no hit innings and the VOls won by a score of 10-0. J'nae Jefferson and Amber DePasquale had hits for the Lady Flames while Kelly Strickland went 0-2 to end her streak at ten games. Tiffani Smith took the loss in the circle. The ladies conclude their spring break run with a doubleheader today against East Tennessee State before jumping into Big South Conference play against Radford.
Track
The indoor season came to a close for the Flames and LAdy Flames as Sam Chelanga and Jaime Watson represented Liberty at the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, AR. Chelanga finished second in the 5000 while Watson, making her first trip as a senior, finished eighth in the 800 meters. The rest of the team headed off to Conway, SC to kick off the outdoor season at rival Coastal Carolina. The Flames and Lady Flames had event winners on the weekend, as Ryan Smith won the shot put in dominating fashion, Kevin Reddington won the long jump, and Evans Kigen took the 3000 meter steeplechase. On the women's side, Alyssa Pegues sprinted (literally) to a victory in the 100 meters. Liberty is next in action this weekend as tehy stay in Conway for the Shamrock Invitational, also hosted by Coastal Carolina
Tennis and Golf
The Liberty mens and women's tennis teams both saw success down in Orlando, FL this past week as teh men won three matches over Fairfield, Northern Illinois and SOuthern Illinois-Edwardsville, while the women lost their first match to Fairfield but logged a win over the Lady Huskies of Connecticut. Chad Simpson was also honored by the Big South Conference as CO-Men's Tennis player of the week for his success in FL. Both teams will be in action this weekend as they conclude spring break with a trip to Clinton, SC to match up with the Blue Hose of Presbyterian.
The Liberty golf team continued its success as they took fourth place at the Palmetto Invitational hosted by USC Aiken last week. Sophomore RObert Karlsson led the way as he finished runner up in the individual competition. The Flames are in Florida this week for the Rio Pinar Invitational hosted by Central Florida.
Lacrosse
Finally this week, the Lady Flames lacrosse team was back in action as they headed to Jacksonville to face the Blackbirds of Long Island University (no that is not a misprint). Freshman Lauren See had a hat trick and keeper Rebekah Leutters had 11 saves but it wasnt enough as LIU jumped out to a 4-0 lead and never looked back as they defeated Liberty 19-9. The ladies will remain in Jacksonville and face National Lacrosse Conference foe Jacksonville on Thursday.
That's it for a crazy busy week in LU sports...until next time,
Fan the Flames
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
LU Weekly Sports Review
We are back after a very busy last few days in Liberty Sports and here is a recap
Baseball:
The Liberty Flames baseball team equaled their best start in school history this weekend after they took three from the Delaware State Hornets by scores of 8-1, 16-0 and 10-1 in teh first series at Worthington Stadium for 2010. The Flames got going immediately on Friday as they put up a five-spot in the first inning. Tyler Bream went 1-4 with a run scored and an RBI while Curran Redal went 2-3 with 2 RBIs and Nate Thompson went 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Shawn Teufel gave the flames another quality start pitching shutout ball over six innings while only allowing two hits and ringing up 8 DSU hitters. The dominance continued into Saturday as for the second consecutive game LU put 5 up in the first inning. PJ Jimenez went 2-4 with three runs scored, Tyler Bream went 1-3 and drove in four while Nate Thompson only went 1-2, but it was a big one, sending a towering home run well over Regents Parkway as the Flames rolled to a seven inning 16-0 victory. Keegan Linza ran his record to 3-0 on the year pitching six shutout innings, allowing only three hits and striking out a pair. Sunday continued the theme of fast starts as LU put up only four runs in the first inning but battered DSU starter Ryan Haas. NAte Thompson went 2-5 with another towering home run and drove in five while Michael Robertson went 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI as LU went on to a 10-1 win. Amherst product Steven Evans pitched six strong innings, allowing the one DSU run while three relievers combined to shut them down the rest of the way.
The Flames welcomed the ODU Monarchs to town as they looked to set a record for the most wins to start a season in school history.
The Monarchs took control in the fifth and held on to end LU's streak at nine with a 5-3 victory. Curran Redal led the way at the plate going 2-3 with a run scored and Appomatox product Tim Dudley, making his first start for the Flames went four good innings, allowing two runs. Carter Browining was on the hook for the loss as he allowed two runs in only a third of an inning. Baseball is back in action this weekend as the Red Storm of St John's out of the Big East come to Worthington Stadium for the first time for a three game set.
Softball:
The Liberty University Lady Flames softball team had a very good weekend as they headed down to Woodstock, GA (home to First Baptist Church Woodstock and NOT the world famous music festival) for the Georgia Tech Buzz Classic, a 22-team tournament. LU opened the weekend with a dominating 11-0 win over Dartmouth. Danielle Howard went 2-2 with two RBIs while Kelly Strickland went 2-3 with a HR and three RBIs. Freshman Katie Warrington picked up her second win of the season going all five innings while striking out three.
On Saturday, LU proved that chicks not only dig the long ball, they can hit a few too as Howard and Strickland each hit a pair of home runs to back junior right hander Tiffani Smith as LU outslugged teh Kennesaw State Owls 8-5 (and giving LU its fourth straight win over KSU after the baseball team picked up three wins the previous weekend).
Later in the day, the ladies played a little small ball as they scored three runs, all in the second inning and then hung on to defeat the Akron Lady Zips 3-1 to maintain a perfect record at the tournament. Kelly Strickland, Bridgett Woods and Cassie Hendrix all had hits and Katie Warrington and Tiffani Smith made it stand up.
LU had one more game on Saturday as they faced the Rams of the University of Rhode Island and once again LU broke out the beatdown sticks as Kelly Strickland and Ashley Bensinger had doubles and Strickland also scored two runs to back freshman hurler Katrina JOhnson who picked up her first collegiate victory going all five innings allowing only two hits as the Lady Flames improved to 4-0 with an 8-0 victory.
Sunday morning the ladies got their first big test as they faced #23 Kentucky and despite a valiant effort, Big Blue was too much and they went on to a 7-0 win. Kelly Strickland went 1-3 to lead the way and Katrina JOhnson took the loss for the Lady Flames a day after getting her first collegiate win.
After a couple days to recover, the ladies took a trip down south to face the #6 Alabama Crimson Tide...the two teams slugged it out like heavyweight fighters but the Tide rallied from down 5 to pick up the 10-7 win. Ashley Bensinger went 1-3 with her first career grand slam while Kelly Strickland picked up another hit and drove in two (not abad way to celebrate being named Big South Conference Player of the Week). Tiffani Smith took the loss in the shootout and Danielle Howard added a home run as well.
The Lady Flames head off to Tennessee for spring break as they take part in the Tennessee Spring Classic in Knoxville where they will face the Lady Vols twice over the five games and then head off to face the Lady Bucs of East Tennessee State before diving into Big South play with a doubleheader against in state rival and defending champion Radford.
Lacrosse:
After falling in their first ever game to Longwood, the Liberty Lady Flames lacrosse team picked up the first win in program history in Washington DC as they knocked off Howard 17-16 in double overtime. Sophomore Kristin Crowley and Freshman Lauren See had five goals a piece and Rebekah Leutters made 10 saves. The ladies head down to teh Sunshine State for a pair of games at Jacksonville University against Long Island and Jacksonville before returning to Lynchburg for their first ever match at Osborne Stadium.
Itll be a busy spring break for LU Athletics and we'll have a rundown of all the events coming up next week.
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
Baseball:
The Liberty Flames baseball team equaled their best start in school history this weekend after they took three from the Delaware State Hornets by scores of 8-1, 16-0 and 10-1 in teh first series at Worthington Stadium for 2010. The Flames got going immediately on Friday as they put up a five-spot in the first inning. Tyler Bream went 1-4 with a run scored and an RBI while Curran Redal went 2-3 with 2 RBIs and Nate Thompson went 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Shawn Teufel gave the flames another quality start pitching shutout ball over six innings while only allowing two hits and ringing up 8 DSU hitters. The dominance continued into Saturday as for the second consecutive game LU put 5 up in the first inning. PJ Jimenez went 2-4 with three runs scored, Tyler Bream went 1-3 and drove in four while Nate Thompson only went 1-2, but it was a big one, sending a towering home run well over Regents Parkway as the Flames rolled to a seven inning 16-0 victory. Keegan Linza ran his record to 3-0 on the year pitching six shutout innings, allowing only three hits and striking out a pair. Sunday continued the theme of fast starts as LU put up only four runs in the first inning but battered DSU starter Ryan Haas. NAte Thompson went 2-5 with another towering home run and drove in five while Michael Robertson went 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI as LU went on to a 10-1 win. Amherst product Steven Evans pitched six strong innings, allowing the one DSU run while three relievers combined to shut them down the rest of the way.
The Flames welcomed the ODU Monarchs to town as they looked to set a record for the most wins to start a season in school history.
The Monarchs took control in the fifth and held on to end LU's streak at nine with a 5-3 victory. Curran Redal led the way at the plate going 2-3 with a run scored and Appomatox product Tim Dudley, making his first start for the Flames went four good innings, allowing two runs. Carter Browining was on the hook for the loss as he allowed two runs in only a third of an inning. Baseball is back in action this weekend as the Red Storm of St John's out of the Big East come to Worthington Stadium for the first time for a three game set.
Softball:
The Liberty University Lady Flames softball team had a very good weekend as they headed down to Woodstock, GA (home to First Baptist Church Woodstock and NOT the world famous music festival) for the Georgia Tech Buzz Classic, a 22-team tournament. LU opened the weekend with a dominating 11-0 win over Dartmouth. Danielle Howard went 2-2 with two RBIs while Kelly Strickland went 2-3 with a HR and three RBIs. Freshman Katie Warrington picked up her second win of the season going all five innings while striking out three.
On Saturday, LU proved that chicks not only dig the long ball, they can hit a few too as Howard and Strickland each hit a pair of home runs to back junior right hander Tiffani Smith as LU outslugged teh Kennesaw State Owls 8-5 (and giving LU its fourth straight win over KSU after the baseball team picked up three wins the previous weekend).
Later in the day, the ladies played a little small ball as they scored three runs, all in the second inning and then hung on to defeat the Akron Lady Zips 3-1 to maintain a perfect record at the tournament. Kelly Strickland, Bridgett Woods and Cassie Hendrix all had hits and Katie Warrington and Tiffani Smith made it stand up.
LU had one more game on Saturday as they faced the Rams of the University of Rhode Island and once again LU broke out the beatdown sticks as Kelly Strickland and Ashley Bensinger had doubles and Strickland also scored two runs to back freshman hurler Katrina JOhnson who picked up her first collegiate victory going all five innings allowing only two hits as the Lady Flames improved to 4-0 with an 8-0 victory.
Sunday morning the ladies got their first big test as they faced #23 Kentucky and despite a valiant effort, Big Blue was too much and they went on to a 7-0 win. Kelly Strickland went 1-3 to lead the way and Katrina JOhnson took the loss for the Lady Flames a day after getting her first collegiate win.
After a couple days to recover, the ladies took a trip down south to face the #6 Alabama Crimson Tide...the two teams slugged it out like heavyweight fighters but the Tide rallied from down 5 to pick up the 10-7 win. Ashley Bensinger went 1-3 with her first career grand slam while Kelly Strickland picked up another hit and drove in two (not abad way to celebrate being named Big South Conference Player of the Week). Tiffani Smith took the loss in the shootout and Danielle Howard added a home run as well.
The Lady Flames head off to Tennessee for spring break as they take part in the Tennessee Spring Classic in Knoxville where they will face the Lady Vols twice over the five games and then head off to face the Lady Bucs of East Tennessee State before diving into Big South play with a doubleheader against in state rival and defending champion Radford.
Lacrosse:
After falling in their first ever game to Longwood, the Liberty Lady Flames lacrosse team picked up the first win in program history in Washington DC as they knocked off Howard 17-16 in double overtime. Sophomore Kristin Crowley and Freshman Lauren See had five goals a piece and Rebekah Leutters made 10 saves. The ladies head down to teh Sunshine State for a pair of games at Jacksonville University against Long Island and Jacksonville before returning to Lynchburg for their first ever match at Osborne Stadium.
Itll be a busy spring break for LU Athletics and we'll have a rundown of all the events coming up next week.
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Hughes Brothers wrap
The Liberty Flames continued to swing hot bats this past weekend down in Wilmington NC at teh Hughes Brothers challenge hosted by UNC Wilmington. The Flames won all three games over teh weekend, 5-2 over Morehead State, 6-3 over Lehigh and busted out the whuppin sticks in defeating host UNC Wilmington 12-2.
LU 5, Morehead State 3
Tyler Bream celebrated being named Big South Baseball Player of the Week by going 2-4 and Nate Thompson launched his second HR of the year as part of a 3-3 day. Shawn Teufel pitched 6 innings but did not factor in the decision. Carter Browning pitched one inning in relief and got the win. J.J. McLeod pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
LU 6, Lehigh 3
While Bream struggled through his first "0-fer" of the season, Sophomore Matt Williams stepped up and had a 4-5 day as the Flames scored two early runs and never looked back. Keegan Linza pitched 7 solid innings to score his second win in as many starts, striking out three. Josh Richardson pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the year.
LU 12, UNC-Wilmington 2
Tyler Bream broke out of his little funk going 4-5 with a HR and Josh Richardson contributed at the plate after his save the previous day, hitting his first collegiate home run. Steven Evans had a quality outing, going 6 2/3 innings, giving up two runs and striking out 4. This is the longest winning streak to start the season under Head Coach Jim Toman and the first time in 15 years that LU started 6-0 (the FLames started 9-0 in 1995).
The FLames kick off their home season this Friday, Saturday and Sunday and look to match that 9-0 start as the Hornets of Delaware State come to Worthington Stadium. Game times are 3 PM, 2 PM and 1 PM. Also this weekend, the Lady Flames softball team will be in action down at Georgia Tech for the Buzz Classic, the women's tennis team will be opening Big South Play against Charleston Southern and the wrestling team will be looking for their fourth consecutive East Regional title up at Millersville. An action packed weekend ahead and we'll run it down for you next week.
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
LU 5, Morehead State 3
Tyler Bream celebrated being named Big South Baseball Player of the Week by going 2-4 and Nate Thompson launched his second HR of the year as part of a 3-3 day. Shawn Teufel pitched 6 innings but did not factor in the decision. Carter Browning pitched one inning in relief and got the win. J.J. McLeod pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
LU 6, Lehigh 3
While Bream struggled through his first "0-fer" of the season, Sophomore Matt Williams stepped up and had a 4-5 day as the Flames scored two early runs and never looked back. Keegan Linza pitched 7 solid innings to score his second win in as many starts, striking out three. Josh Richardson pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the year.
LU 12, UNC-Wilmington 2
Tyler Bream broke out of his little funk going 4-5 with a HR and Josh Richardson contributed at the plate after his save the previous day, hitting his first collegiate home run. Steven Evans had a quality outing, going 6 2/3 innings, giving up two runs and striking out 4. This is the longest winning streak to start the season under Head Coach Jim Toman and the first time in 15 years that LU started 6-0 (the FLames started 9-0 in 1995).
The FLames kick off their home season this Friday, Saturday and Sunday and look to match that 9-0 start as the Hornets of Delaware State come to Worthington Stadium. Game times are 3 PM, 2 PM and 1 PM. Also this weekend, the Lady Flames softball team will be in action down at Georgia Tech for the Buzz Classic, the women's tennis team will be opening Big South Play against Charleston Southern and the wrestling team will be looking for their fourth consecutive East Regional title up at Millersville. An action packed weekend ahead and we'll run it down for you next week.
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
Friday, February 26, 2010
Fan the Flames: Hughes Brothers Challenge
A little late in getting back but while I was gone, the Liberty Flames got off to a (excuse the pun) hot start last weekend down in Kennesaw GA as they faced the Kennesaw State Owls to open the 2010 season.
Friday saw the opener to the 2009 season and the Flames got on the board first thanks to a pair of runs in the first inning, the first courtesy of freshman All-American Tyler Bream, who was returning from an injury. Bream, who had one of the hottest bats before getting hurt, showed no effects of rust as he smashed a double into rightfield and gave the Flames first blood. Right fielder Michael Thompson them followed with a suicide squeeze to plate Curran Redal (who had been hit by a pitch earlier in the inning) and give the Flames a 2-0 lead. After KSU cut the lead in half, followed by a scoreless second inning, Redal and Robertson went to work again, as this time Redal ripped a single through the box and after advancing all the way to third, Robertson drove him in a second time with his own single giving LU a two run lead again, 3-1.
After a scoreless fourth and fifth innings, LU turned the fire up and blew the game wide open, scoring four runs on four hits to take a 7-1 lead. From there Liberty cruised to a 10-4 win. Bream led the way going 3-3 with 4 RBI including a towering home run in the eighth inning. Senior Shawn Teufel got the win for LU tossing 4 innings of one-hit ball and striking out seven.
Saturday was more of the same as the Flames again jumped out to a 2-1 lead and then scored eight unanswered runs the rest of the way on the way to an 11-2 win. Junior transfer Jerry Neufang drove in three runs and the FLames got nine hits to back Keegan Linza in his debut in an LU uniform as he went six innings, walking one and striking out eight.
Sunday was a near repeat of the series opener as LU jumped to an early lead, but this time the Owls were able to tie it in teh bottom of the first, before the bats came to life and LU outscored KSU 9-3 (including five straight runs) the rest of the way to get the sweep 10-4. Tyler Bream ked teh way going 4-5 to finish the weekend with a .700 batting average, while PJ Jimenez and MIchael Roberston both went 3-5 to back starter Steven Evans, who went four innings, allowing a run and two walks while striking out 4 to get the win.
This weekend the Flames head down to Wilmington NC for the Hughes Brothers Challenge hosted by UNC Wilmington. the Flames will play Morehead State Friday to open, then Lehigh on Saturday and finish the weekend against the very good host Seahawks. Check out Chris Lang's blog on the Lynchburg News and Advance website for more information.
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
Friday saw the opener to the 2009 season and the Flames got on the board first thanks to a pair of runs in the first inning, the first courtesy of freshman All-American Tyler Bream, who was returning from an injury. Bream, who had one of the hottest bats before getting hurt, showed no effects of rust as he smashed a double into rightfield and gave the Flames first blood. Right fielder Michael Thompson them followed with a suicide squeeze to plate Curran Redal (who had been hit by a pitch earlier in the inning) and give the Flames a 2-0 lead. After KSU cut the lead in half, followed by a scoreless second inning, Redal and Robertson went to work again, as this time Redal ripped a single through the box and after advancing all the way to third, Robertson drove him in a second time with his own single giving LU a two run lead again, 3-1.
After a scoreless fourth and fifth innings, LU turned the fire up and blew the game wide open, scoring four runs on four hits to take a 7-1 lead. From there Liberty cruised to a 10-4 win. Bream led the way going 3-3 with 4 RBI including a towering home run in the eighth inning. Senior Shawn Teufel got the win for LU tossing 4 innings of one-hit ball and striking out seven.
Saturday was more of the same as the Flames again jumped out to a 2-1 lead and then scored eight unanswered runs the rest of the way on the way to an 11-2 win. Junior transfer Jerry Neufang drove in three runs and the FLames got nine hits to back Keegan Linza in his debut in an LU uniform as he went six innings, walking one and striking out eight.
Sunday was a near repeat of the series opener as LU jumped to an early lead, but this time the Owls were able to tie it in teh bottom of the first, before the bats came to life and LU outscored KSU 9-3 (including five straight runs) the rest of the way to get the sweep 10-4. Tyler Bream ked teh way going 4-5 to finish the weekend with a .700 batting average, while PJ Jimenez and MIchael Roberston both went 3-5 to back starter Steven Evans, who went four innings, allowing a run and two walks while striking out 4 to get the win.
This weekend the Flames head down to Wilmington NC for the Hughes Brothers Challenge hosted by UNC Wilmington. the Flames will play Morehead State Friday to open, then Lehigh on Saturday and finish the weekend against the very good host Seahawks. Check out Chris Lang's blog on the Lynchburg News and Advance website for more information.
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Fan the Flames Baseball Preview Pt. 2
We're back sports fans, taking a look at the 2010 Liberty Flames baseball team. This week the Flames kick off their season facing teh Kennesaw State Owls. We're looking at the guys who will be taking the field in Liberty uniform this spring. Today its the infielders and catchers
Infielders
One thing that is a huge benefit for LU is that the entire starting infield is coming back for next year. Going around the horn starting at first base is Trey Wimmer. Wimmer tied for third on the team last year with 6 HRs going on to hit .299 with 32 RBIs (good for fifth on the team last spring). JC transfer PJ Jimenez came right in and started at second base and made a big impression, finishing fourth on the team in fielding percentage (.982). Matt Williams (not to be confused with or related to the former MLB star) came in as a true freshman and did not disappoint, hitting .288, with 49 runs scored (good for second on the team) and 13 stolen bases in 20 attempts (easily leading the team). Another freshman last year, Tyler Bream, comes back to man the "hot corner". Bream, son of former Major Leaguer Sid Bream, made about as big a splash as a freshman could make before going down to injury. Despite only playing 46 games, he finished third on the team in hitting (.337), tied for the team lead in home runs (8) and led the team in slugging percentage (.572). He was voted a freshman All-American and if not for his injury, probably would have been an all conference selection.
Finally, the biggest change in the infield actually comes from behind the plate, where four year starter all conference selection Errol Hollinger graduated. The cupboard is by no means bare behind the plate as senior Nate Thompson, Hollinger's primary backup, will take his place. behind thompson for the most part will be transfer Jerry Neufang as well as Trey Wimmer although expect most if not all of his action to be at first base.
Two players look to get their chances on the field this year in Josh Richardson and Austin Taylor. Richardson comes to the Flames after finishing his career at Greenbrier Christian Academy as the Virginia State Player of the year for private schools and Taylor comes fron the Florida panhandle after spending a year at Tallahassee Community College where he led the team in runs scored (67) and RBIs (56) so he certainly brings a big bat to the mountain. Taylor was also selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2007 MLB player entry draft.
Tomorrow we will wrap up the player portion of our preview by looking at the outfield.
Until then...
Fan the Flames
All information and statistics comes from the Liberty Flames official athletic website www.libertyflames.com
Infielders
One thing that is a huge benefit for LU is that the entire starting infield is coming back for next year. Going around the horn starting at first base is Trey Wimmer. Wimmer tied for third on the team last year with 6 HRs going on to hit .299 with 32 RBIs (good for fifth on the team last spring). JC transfer PJ Jimenez came right in and started at second base and made a big impression, finishing fourth on the team in fielding percentage (.982). Matt Williams (not to be confused with or related to the former MLB star) came in as a true freshman and did not disappoint, hitting .288, with 49 runs scored (good for second on the team) and 13 stolen bases in 20 attempts (easily leading the team). Another freshman last year, Tyler Bream, comes back to man the "hot corner". Bream, son of former Major Leaguer Sid Bream, made about as big a splash as a freshman could make before going down to injury. Despite only playing 46 games, he finished third on the team in hitting (.337), tied for the team lead in home runs (8) and led the team in slugging percentage (.572). He was voted a freshman All-American and if not for his injury, probably would have been an all conference selection.
Finally, the biggest change in the infield actually comes from behind the plate, where four year starter all conference selection Errol Hollinger graduated. The cupboard is by no means bare behind the plate as senior Nate Thompson, Hollinger's primary backup, will take his place. behind thompson for the most part will be transfer Jerry Neufang as well as Trey Wimmer although expect most if not all of his action to be at first base.
Two players look to get their chances on the field this year in Josh Richardson and Austin Taylor. Richardson comes to the Flames after finishing his career at Greenbrier Christian Academy as the Virginia State Player of the year for private schools and Taylor comes fron the Florida panhandle after spending a year at Tallahassee Community College where he led the team in runs scored (67) and RBIs (56) so he certainly brings a big bat to the mountain. Taylor was also selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2007 MLB player entry draft.
Tomorrow we will wrap up the player portion of our preview by looking at the outfield.
Until then...
Fan the Flames
All information and statistics comes from the Liberty Flames official athletic website www.libertyflames.com
Monday, February 15, 2010
Fan the Flames Baseball Preview
That's right sports fans, Im back after a long hiatus and with the return comes branching out to cover more LU sports, not just football. With snow still on the ground here in Lynchburg, its hard to believe that its already time to break out the aluminum and welcome the boys of spring again.
LU finished with better than 30 wins for the fifth straight season in 2009, going 33-21 and finishing with the most wins in the first two years for an LU coach with 68. 16 times last year, the Flames scored 10 or more runs in a game, and they won all 16 times. They finished the year with the fourth most runs in team history (383, the record being 492 in 2002), finished with better than 40 team home runs for the third time in four seasons (60, the record is 87 in 1998) and set records for the highest fielding percentage (.974) AND fewest errors (53) in a season.
Over the next five days we will take a look ahead to the 2010 season for the Flames and get you ready for the opening series this Friday-Sunday down in Kennesaw, GA against Kennesaw State.
Today we will take a look at Liberty's role in baseball's arms race.
The major benefit for Liberty this season is there is lots of experience coming back on the mound in addition to some talented new faces. It all starts with the frontliners as converted fielder Shawn Teufel returns for his second season on the hill after a very successful season last year, going 9-2 with a 4.33 earned run average (ERA) and a team leading 72 strike outs in 72.2 innings pitched (which also tied for the team lead with Steven Evans) finishing first team all-conference. Making his return to the mound in 2010 is right-hander Dustin Umberger. In his last full season, Umberger led the Big South Conference in strikeouts (88) and was among the leaders in wins (8) and ERA (3.80) This should give the Flames a solid 1-2 punch going into weekend series, with lefty Steven Evans (from right up the road in Amherst) giving head coach Jim Toman two lefthanders he can call on. Evans finished last year second on the team in wins behind Teufel (7) and third in strikeouts (45) in 12 starts. Evans was the workhorse of the staff last year, logging the only complete games by a Flames pitcher. Also look for Mark Swanson to make some midweek starts after he comes back from injury in 2009. Even though he only made 6 starts last year, he made the most of them going 4-0 with a 2.79 ERA and 35 strikeouts.
In the bullpen seniors Carter Browning and Dane Beakler (who like Umberger sat out the 2009 season) lead the way along with sophomore Carter Browning, who started the year as the Flames closer before giving way to senior Andrew Wilson.
a pair of freshmen along with some new upperclassmen faces will compete for innings this year. Cameron Gianinni (from Hargrave Military Academy in nearby Chatham) and Josh Richardson headline the incoming class of hurlers along with upperclassmen Zane Bator, Bryan Cole, J.J. McLeod and Chris Roach all look to contribute this season.
Tomorrow we'll run down the infielders and catchers
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
Information and statistics comes from Liberty Flames website www.libertyflames.com
LU finished with better than 30 wins for the fifth straight season in 2009, going 33-21 and finishing with the most wins in the first two years for an LU coach with 68. 16 times last year, the Flames scored 10 or more runs in a game, and they won all 16 times. They finished the year with the fourth most runs in team history (383, the record being 492 in 2002), finished with better than 40 team home runs for the third time in four seasons (60, the record is 87 in 1998) and set records for the highest fielding percentage (.974) AND fewest errors (53) in a season.
Over the next five days we will take a look ahead to the 2010 season for the Flames and get you ready for the opening series this Friday-Sunday down in Kennesaw, GA against Kennesaw State.
Today we will take a look at Liberty's role in baseball's arms race.
The major benefit for Liberty this season is there is lots of experience coming back on the mound in addition to some talented new faces. It all starts with the frontliners as converted fielder Shawn Teufel returns for his second season on the hill after a very successful season last year, going 9-2 with a 4.33 earned run average (ERA) and a team leading 72 strike outs in 72.2 innings pitched (which also tied for the team lead with Steven Evans) finishing first team all-conference. Making his return to the mound in 2010 is right-hander Dustin Umberger. In his last full season, Umberger led the Big South Conference in strikeouts (88) and was among the leaders in wins (8) and ERA (3.80) This should give the Flames a solid 1-2 punch going into weekend series, with lefty Steven Evans (from right up the road in Amherst) giving head coach Jim Toman two lefthanders he can call on. Evans finished last year second on the team in wins behind Teufel (7) and third in strikeouts (45) in 12 starts. Evans was the workhorse of the staff last year, logging the only complete games by a Flames pitcher. Also look for Mark Swanson to make some midweek starts after he comes back from injury in 2009. Even though he only made 6 starts last year, he made the most of them going 4-0 with a 2.79 ERA and 35 strikeouts.
In the bullpen seniors Carter Browning and Dane Beakler (who like Umberger sat out the 2009 season) lead the way along with sophomore Carter Browning, who started the year as the Flames closer before giving way to senior Andrew Wilson.
a pair of freshmen along with some new upperclassmen faces will compete for innings this year. Cameron Gianinni (from Hargrave Military Academy in nearby Chatham) and Josh Richardson headline the incoming class of hurlers along with upperclassmen Zane Bator, Bryan Cole, J.J. McLeod and Chris Roach all look to contribute this season.
Tomorrow we'll run down the infielders and catchers
Until next time,
Fan the Flames
Information and statistics comes from Liberty Flames website www.libertyflames.com
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