Summary of last season:
It was the best year in Liberty County football history. The Panthers went 9-1 in the regular season, their only loss coming on a one-point overtime defeat at the hands of the Effingham County Rebels. Liberty won big games all season with strong defense. It came down to the final game against Pierce County for the Region 2-AAA Championship, which the Panthers won 56-46. Liberty County was the number one seed and went on to make it to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs before losing a three-overtime battle to Greater Atlanta Christian.
The Coach:
Best known around the state as a tight end for the University of Georgia in the 1980’s, Kirk Warner is now one of the elder statesmen of the southeast Georgia football coaches. Now going into his 15th year with the Panthers, he has made playoff runs the last four seasons. Last year he led Liberty County to the state playoff quarterfinals and the Panthers first ever Region championship.
Outlook for this season?
“We will be replacing the winningest senior class in the history of Liberty County,” Coach Warner said. “We will need to find some leadership, but have talent. We will also need to develop a lot more depth.”
Gone is University of Georgia freshman Richard LeCounte and quarterback Jaalon Frazier, who have to be replaced. Returning for sure are several standouts including highly recruited defensive linemen Tramel Walthour and Traveon Freeman, who will anchor the defensive line for Liberty and make it difficult for opponents to develop a running game. In all, Liberty has 11 starters returning from last season’s region championship team.
Big games this year:
“All region games,” Coach Warner said.
The Panthers play in Region 2-AAA with Pierce County, Tattnall County, Appling County, Long County and Brantley County. The annual Commissioner’s Cup gets the season started against cross-town rival Bradwell Institute. Then it’s Statesboro, Jenkins, New Hampstead and Effingham before region play starts in October. The Panthers will face six teams with new head coaches this year.
SE-SF-0817-Liberty
Panthers Still on the Prowl
