Discovery Domination
Liberty quarterback Chris Baker runs against Discovery in action from the middle school football game (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- Discovery Middle football team completed an unbeaten regular season Thursday night with a convincing 34-8 win over crosstown Liberty. The Panthers, under second-year coach Len Lanier, advance to the North Alabama Championship game which they won last year and will host this year.
The game will be played October 15 at 6 p.m. at Discovery Field. Muscle Shoals will be the opponent.
Both offenses started slowly. Liberty’s offense consisted mostly of quarterback Chris Baker running the football. Quarterback Caden Rose ran the balanced offense for Discovery just like he has been doing all season.
Late in the first quarter Khalil Griffen broke an 83 yard touchdown run to put Discovery on the scoreboard. Sam Haberlach kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Discovery’s next drive consisted Dylan Blackburn running the ball 27 yards to the one yard line then scoring on the next play.
“We have two really good backs and this is the first time we have put them on the field together because they know what we do and we know what they do, being rivals, just mix it up a little bit,” said Discovery coach Len Lanier after the game.
Liberty mounted a drive that stalled on Discovery’s 39-yard line when Baker fumbled on a fourth down attempt.
Rose got the passing game going with a 22 yard completion to Ahmad Garth. Rose then connected with Cam Hill for a 27 yard touchdown pass to go up 21-0, the half time score.
“Rose has been steady all year,” Lanier said. “We’re dealing with some wind tonight and when we got it with us we take advantage. He has been consistent all year. He blows very few reads. He understands the game.”
Rose has a strong arm and Lanier said that he has worked to improve his passing skills.
“It was a point we wanted to improve and he has sold into the program and got stronger.”
Caden Rose throws a pass
Discovery’s top receiver Dylan Ray was double covered in the first half but caught a pass and ran to the one yard line early in the third quarter. From there Blackburn ran for his second touchdown.
Ray also plays safety on defense. Another two way player is #10 Josh Lewis who plays tight end and defensive end.
A short time later Khalil Griffen ran five yards for his second touchdown to make it 34-0.
Haberlack was successful on 4 of 5 extra points.
Liberty picked up a late touchdown to finish the scoring. Liberty finishes with a 4-2 record.
Discovery seventh grade team won their game over Liberty 20-0.
