Liberty rallies, takes down No. 1 Skyline, 39-34

ISSAQUAH — The Liberty crowd stood on the sideline chanting, "We are one! We are one!"

Once again, facing long odds, the Patriots proved they were up for the challenge. The Patriots, ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 3A, used a gritty effort Friday night to claim a 39-34 football victory over 4A Skyline, winner of three consecutive state titles.

It's a new year, but so far, the magic is back.

"There was some magic tonight, for sure," Liberty coach Steve Valach said.

In their run to the state-championship game last season, Liberty refused to quit. The Patriots refused to give up in the first round against O'Dea. They refused to lie down against long odds in the semifinals against Lakes.

And Friday night, they didn't let adversity dim their spirits.

In his first varsity start, Skyline's sophomore quarterback, Max Browne, played like a veteran early. After being sacked on the first play of the game, he recovered to complete his first four passes. He threw four touchdown strikes to Jordan Simone in the first half alone, finishing with 418 yards passing and five touchdown throws.

"He was unbelievable that first half," Skyline coach Mat Taylor said.

The Spartans (0-1) struck first, but Liberty rallied behind senior quarterback Trey Wheeler. Not to be outdone, Wheeler always seemed to make the right play when his team needed it, competing 15 of 25 passes for 331 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.

"We play together and we finish," Wheeler said. "We are one. You can throw any word out there. It's definitely a team effort and that was obvious tonight. Josh 'Flash' Gordon stepped up big time."

Gordon, a junior, caught a 71-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter, and had a 37-yard TD reception later in the quarter that gave Liberty the lead.

Things didn't get any easier for the Patriots when Jake Bainton suffered a slight shoulder dislocation, but players stepped up to fill the void.

On a night when cramps sent players on both sides falling to the turf, the plucky Patriots found a way to get it done, holding off the top-ranked team in 4A even after a fourth-quarter fumble gave Skyline one last drive to win the game.

"Part of our legacy is that we finish," Valach said. "There's a tradition of, the longer we play, the better we get. This is right where you want to be. This is right in our wheelhouse. It has nothing to do with our opponent. Remember who you are."

For Liberty, close games are nothing new. The Patriots thrived on adversity in 2009 and, once again, they are proving the magic is back.

Mason Kelley: 206-464-8277 or mkelley@seattletimes.com