Liberty Runs Past Fauquier, Into Playoffs

Lillard Has Big Game on Both Sides of Ball

When the game clock read zeroes across the board last night in Bealeton, Liberty linebacker-running back Corey Lillard clenched his fists, raised them to his chest and shook his arms. He lifted his face to the sky and roared.

Entering the season, Lillard did not know what more his team needed to do to make the playoffs. The Eagles had finished with seven wins his junior season, nine his sophomore year and eight when he was a freshman. Still, each season they had missed the postseason.

As painful as those memories were for Lillard, they were far from his thoughts as he relished Liberty's 28-21 victory over rival Fauquier in the Virginia AAA Cedar Run District, which clinched the Eagles' first playoff berth since 2004.

"This couldn't have been better," Lillard said, beaming. "Against a huge county rival. Playoffs are riding on it. It was huge. It was a huge game."

Anytime Liberty and Fauquier play, there is significance for the schools, which, before the opening of Kettle Run this year, were the only public high schools in Fauquier County. This season's meeting carried even more importance because the winner would clinch the final AAA Northwest Region Division 5 playoff berth.

That last postseason spot now belongs to Liberty (8-2, 5-2) thanks to Lillard, who rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown and provided several crushing hits on defense. Senior quarterback Nick Potts -- also familiar with Liberty's narrow postseason misses -- added touchdown throws of 74, 45 and 71 yards.

"I just think it's really deserving for this program to be back in the playoffs," Liberty Coach Tommy Buzzo said. "I'm ecstatic. I really am."

Liberty clinched the victory when Potts found wide receiver James Rogers for a 71-yard touchdown with 2 minutes 7 seconds remaining that provided the final margin. Moments later, as the clocked ticked down, Liberty's players hugged on the field while its fans embraced in the stands. Soon, a chant of "Playoffs!" rang out.

"Words can't even describe what this means right now," Lillard said. "It's unbelievable."

Liberty 28, Fauquier 21 New Look: Next season, Fauquier (7-3, 4-3) and Liberty will drop down to the AA classification and the newly formed Evergreen District. Warren County, Kettle Run and Brentsville will round out the members of the new district. Talent Central: Liberty's Corey Lillard has orally committed to Virginia next season, and lineman Kory Gough has pledged to Virginia Tech. The Eagles have three other players -- Damien Dodson, Derrick Lee and Ryan Grimes -- drawing interest from colleges.