Redhawk football heads into Friday’s game at the Ford Center hungry for a win, as they sit 0-6 in District 6-5A. They’ll look to take on what many students consider to be their rivals, Lebanon Trail.

“I am excited about [the] game,” junior Trevor Deforest said. “I believe that it is a very winnable game that can give us the confidence we need going into next week to finish off the season with two wins.” 

The beginning of the rivalry comes from Fowler Middle School, with students who attended Fowler being distributed between Liberty and Lebanon Trail high schools. 

“I’m excited to see my old middle school friends,” junior Fowler alumni Jonathan Banks said. “Everyone went last year and stayed in the rain until the end, and we’re gonna do that again this year.”  

Last year the game was close, with the Redhawks ending the first quarter up 16-0 but then failing to maintain their lead later in the game. Senior Ben Doucette hopes to put on another show this year.  

“The game being close last year definitely give[s] me confidence,” Doucette said. “I feel like we match up well with them up front and can definitely exploit some things.” 

In order to achieve this win head football coach Matt Swinnea believes it’s all up to the players’ mentality.

“Play well, play hard,” Swinnea said. “We feel like we have a good plan and if we take care of the football, execute well, and tackle better, we’ve got a great opportunity”