ATHUSTIGS

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Aaron Deberry

Barnes e Burgess n proud of the i.You havetowork rd,then the game come together."

"It has not been an easyroad, butalothas been accomplished. We areayoungteam."

102

Great Expectations, Me t and Gained

LInthe game offootball, challenges are not a foreign concept. The game consistently batters its teams,not only inthe obvious physical element, but in its rigorous mental demands aswell. Obstacles such as injuries, ineligibilities and lossofmorale can be the most damaging to a team. LU's football team faced many obstacles thisyear and met them allmagnificently.

The Big South Conference welcomed football to it's line-up of sports thisyear and Liberty played an integral part inthishistoric addition. The 2-9 Flames played nationally ranked teams such as Appalachian State and Eastern Kentucky and though both resulted in losses, the players see thisas a positive experience.

"Whether we win or lose doesn't matter,it's how the game is played," said offensive lineman JackieBurgess.

"It'sa learning experience forthe whole team," said defensive lineman Rashaq Barkley. "We expect bigger and better things inthe years to come."