Lynchburg, VA
Sep 21, 2024
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Liberty Flames orchestrated a thrilling comeback to overcome the East Carolina Pirates 35-24 in a game that extended past midnight due to a weather delay of over 4 1/2 hours. Despite initially trailing 17-0, the Flames capitalized on key defensive plays and Kaidon Salter's spectacular performance. Salter threw for 233 yards and delivered four touchdown passes, three of which were expertly caught by wide receiver Reese Smith.
Reese Smith, who marked his return after a year off due to transfer rules, showcased a stellar effort, tying a school record with three touchdown receptions. Quinton Cooley fueled the Flames' ground game with 105 rushing yards, including a pivotal 21-yard touchdown run in the final minutes. Liberty's defense was dominant in the second half, forcing crucial turnovers that sealed their victory. The Flames thus maintained an impressive 16-game regular-season winning streak and pushed their home winning streak to 11 games.
Jake Garcia (East Carolina Pirates)
Jake Garcia propelled East Carolina to an early lead with an 8-yard touchdown run, capitalizing on a favorable field position granted by Liberty's early mistakes.
Marlon Gunn Jr. (East Carolina Pirates)
Marlon Gunn Jr. extended the Pirates' lead with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, following a Liberty fumble near their own goal line.
Andrew Conrad (East Carolina Pirates)
Andrew Conrad drilled a 35-yard field goal, giving East Carolina a commanding 17-0 lead, underscoring their early dominance.
Elijah Canion (Liberty Flames)
Liberty's first significant response came when Kaidon Salter found Elijah Canion for a 14-yard touchdown, trimming the lead to 17-7 just before halftime.
Reese Smith (Liberty Flames)
Kaidon Salter connected with Reese Smith on a 17-yard touchdown pass, capping an 11-play drive and making the score 17-14.
Reese Smith (Liberty Flames)
Reese Smith caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Kaidon Salter, giving Liberty their first lead of the game at 21-17.
Rahjai Harris (East Carolina Pirates)
Rahjai Harris reclaimed the lead for East Carolina with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, making it 24-21 heading into the fourth quarter.
Reese Smith (Liberty Flames)
Reese Smith's third touchdown reception came on a 15-yard pass from Kaidon Salter, giving Liberty a crucial 28-24 lead.
Quinton Cooley (Liberty Flames)
Quinton Cooley's 21-yard touchdown run sealed the victory for Liberty, extending their lead to 35-24.
Dexter Ricks Jr. (Liberty Flames)
Dexter Ricks Jr. intercepted Jake Garcia's pass and returned it 35 yards, sealing the game for Liberty.
Jake Garcia (East Carolina Pirates)
Jake Garcia completed a 42-yard pass to Chase Sowell, setting up their first touchdown.
Kaidon Salter (Liberty Flames, QB)
Salter orchestrated a masterful comeback, throwing for 233 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating exceptional poise under pressure, especially on crucial third downs.
Reese Smith (Liberty Flames, WR)
Smith tied a school record with three touchdown receptions on six catches for 80 yards, showcasing a significant return after a year off due to transfer rules.
Quinton Cooley (Liberty Flames, RB)
Cooley posted his third 100-yard game of the season, rushing 19 times for 105 yards, and sealed the win with a decisive 21-yard touchdown run.
Jake Garcia (East Carolina Pirates, QB)
Garcia delivered a solid performance, passing for 204 yards and adding 28 rushing yards with a touchdown, but a late interception marred his otherwise strong outing.
Dexter Ricks Jr. (Liberty Flames, CB)
Ricks Jr. stepped up with a game-changing interception, returning it 35 yards to end East Carolina's final drive, clinching the victory for Liberty.
A'Khori Jones (Liberty Flames, LB)
Jones was a defensive stalwart, recording seven tackles and a fumble recovery that set up Liberty's final scoring drive.
East Carolina Pirates
14
3
7
0
24
Liberty Flames
0
7
14
14
35
