2013 Liberty Football Capsule
Head coach: Rich Muraco, fifth season (41-10)
2012 record: 11-2 (5-0 Southeast, first)
Returning lettermen: 22
Returning starters: Five offense, six defense
Base offensive set: Multiple
Base defensive set: 4-2-5
Top offensive players: QB Tyler Newman (Sr.); WR Drew Hladek (Sr.); OT Jozef Misaalefua (Sr.); TE Noah Jefferson (Jr.)
Top defensive players: DE Jarvis Polu (Sr.); DT Reno Tu’ufuli (Sr.); LB Samson Monterde (Sr.); LB Kaimi Batoon (So.); CB Bryan Roland (So.)
Top special teams players: K Austin Fitzgerald (Sr.)
Top newcomers: RB/LB Calvin Tubbs (So.)
Key losses: QB/DB Kai Nacua; RB Niko Kapeli; OL Chris Noone
Outlook: The Patriots were once a struggling program, but that certainly hasn’t been the case in recent years.
Liberty made its first playoff appearance in 2009, and quickly became one of the area’s powers, claiming the last three Southeast League and Sunrise Region titles.
The Patriots will try to continue that streak this year, but will have to do it without dynamic weapons Nacua and Kapeli.
Nacaua passed for 1,128 yards and nine TDs, rushed for 758 yards and 16 TDs and caught 11 passes for 333 yards and four TDs last season. Kapeli, the school’s career rushing leader, ran for 1,252 yards and 14 scores last fall.
Newman steps in at quarterback, and he got some experience there last season when Nacua lined up all over the field. Newman passed for 853 yards and 12 TDs. The Patriots will look to several backs to replace Kapeli’s production, but they will continue to run behind a massive offensive line anchored by Misaalefua (6-4, 270). Desert Oasis transfer Jefferson (6-5, 255) adds tremendous size at tight end.
On defense, Polu (6-3, 245) and Tu’ufuli (6-3, 270) will anchor the line, with Monterde keying the linebackers.
Sophomores Batoon and Roland started every game last season, and bring experience and production. Batoon led the team in tackles with 74.
Fitzgerald, an all-state pick last season, is a weapon, having gone 10-for-11 on field goals with a long of 48 yards last season.