BASEBALL

While Liberty has yet to release their 2017 baseball schedule, we were offered a glimpse into who the Flames will open up the season against. The University of Virginia released their schedule this past week and it looks like Liberty will face off against the Hoos at a neutral site on February 17th. Along with this, Liberty will travel to Charlottesville later in the season for a game on May 2nd.

MENS BASKETBALL

Last week, the men’s basketball team opened practice for the 2016-2017 season. Coming off an exciting first season as head coach, Richie McKay looks to improve the Flames from the 10-8 conference record they posted and expectations couldn’t be higher for the former UVA assistant.

Here are a couple notes on the coming season:

  • Due to transfer rules, John Dawson lost a year of eligibility and is now a senior.
  • Redshirt-freshman Myo Baxter-Bell looks to contribute inside immediately and has impressed the coaching staff thanks to his quickness and skill set.
  • Coach McKay believes that true freshman Brock Gardner “is probably the most acclaimed recruit (we brought in this year).”

The Flames open the season in just over a month as they take on Cairn. Four days later, they host VCU.

CAM JACKSON/KYLE CARRINGTON UPDATE

A few weeks ago we informed you of a news release by Liberty University starting that two Liberty football players (Cam Jackson and Kyle Carrington) had sexual assault allegations brought against them.

This week, Joshua Farmer of Farmer Legal, PLLC, released the following statement on behalf of Cam Jackson’s family:

Cameron Jackson was notified yesterday that the Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney will not seek any criminal charges following an exhaustive investigation into false allegations of sexual assault levied against Cam and his teammates.

Apart from the legal matter handled by the Lynchburg Police Department, Jackson was “found responsible for violating the Student Honor Code…” but appealed it. The university rejected the appeal and according the WSET, Jackson “has to be gone from campus within 48 hours.” This was two days ago.

FOOTBALL

Buckshot Calvert got his first start of the season against Robert Morris last Saturday. He was 23-for-37 passing with 340 yards and 4 touchdowns. In the process of his first start, Calvert broke a Liberty football record for the most passing yards by a freshman in his first career start.

The run game continued with its normal struggles. Liberty rushed for just 72 yards, which would make it the 11th time in last 15 games that the Flames have not managed more than 100 rushing yards.

With the Flames going into their bye week, the offensive line, run game, and special teams play will each be a key focus as they prepare for conference play and the hopes of a FCS playoff berth.