Lions to face Frisco Liberty in rematch
September 9, 2011

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

GREENVILLE -- Last year the Greenville Lions ran into an offensive juggernaut during a 59-14 loss at Frisco Liberty.

The Lions hope to slow down the Redhawks in a rematch at 7:30 tonight at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium.

Frisco Liberty, led by running back Jay Ajayi, rolled up a 56-7 lead by halftime with an overwhelming 354-51 advantage in total yardage. Ajayi inflected most of the damage, rushing for 186 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 carries.

Ajayi is now at Boise State but that doesn’t mean the Redhawks don’t have another solid football team.

“They look like they did last year minus that Ajayi but with another guy,” said Greenville coach Chawn Cooper. “They have three (college) prospects on the offensive line. Two Division I kids. They’re pretty big and well coached. They do a good job of what they do.”

The Redhawks opened the season last week with a 27-6 victory over Denison. Defense was Liberty’s forte as the Redhawks held the Yellowjackets to only 99 total yards and a pair of field goals.

Liberty rang up 263 yards of offense, well off last year’s season average. Quarterback Zach Smith was 6-of-14 passing for 55 yards and one touchdown but with three interceptions.

Smith was 5-of-8 passing last year against the Lions for 56 yards and three touchdowns.

Aaron Estes was Liberty’s top rusher against Denison with 146 yards on 19 carries, including a 7-yard touchdown run.

Greenville, though 0-2 for the season, brings in some momentum after outscoring Terrell 18-17 in the second half of last week’s 48-24 loss. Terrell led 31-6 at the half after outgaining the Lions 235-122. The second half was a different story as Terrell edged out the Lions 157-154 in yardage.

Cooper said he’s hoping the Lions can use their play in the second half as “a springboard for the rest of the season.”

“You’ve got to learn how to compete before you learn how to win,” said Cooper, whose team went winless in 2010. “Our kids are learning how to compete.”