Special team miscues and a Des Rice fumble do in the Flames on a rain-soaked night in Richmond. Spiders win 30-21; here’s a few quick-hit notes following the game:
Offense:
- To be honest, the offense wasn’t the story of the game even though they “only” scored 21 points. The Flames set Lunsford up with 2 makeable field goals which were blocked.
- Woodrum showed tremendous leadership on the night, but on the drive late in the 2nd quarter in particular. The Flames were trailing 17-7, and the game had the feeling that Richmond was about to seize control. Josh led the Flames downfield to bring Liberty within 3 at 17-14.
- Des Rice had another impressive night as he finished with 106 yards rushing and 1 touchdown on 12 carries.
- Woodrum finished 23-42 for 241 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
- Gabe Henderson had a career night with 7 receptions for 66 yards as he was clearly part of the game plan.
- Dante Shells added 6 catches for 68 yards.
Defense:
- Michael Strauss and company came out and chewed the Flames up in the 1st half. The Spiders had 332 total offensive yards on 41 plays in the 1st half. The Flames were fortunate to only be down 23-14.
- Jacobi Green had a career high with 181 yards rushing as the Spiders run game finally got on track.
- The defense finally got straightened out in the 2nd half as the Flames held the Spiders to just 22 offensive yards in the 3rd quarter .
- Jacob Hagen led the Flames defense with 11 tackles even after he was ejected in the 3rd quarter for targeting.
- Walt Aikens added 10 tackles and 1 pass breakup.
Other:
- A few plays that changed the game – obviously Des Rice’s fumble early in the 3rd quarter which gave the Spiders the ball on the 5 yard line and the 2 blocked field goals.
- Liberty again is unable to make a statement by beating an in-state opponent and CAA team. This seems to be a repeating theme regardless who is the coach.
