Remember this day, because the Bulls didn’t just win—they delivered a comprehensive beating to Liberty, keeping their perfect 8-0 record intact and stamping their authority as the division’s elite. In a game that was never in question after the opening exchanges, the Bulls under head coach Jason Burton flexed with a clinical offense, an impenetrable defense, and flawless special teams execution to stomp the home side 29-10.
From the opening quarter, you could sense Liberty was outmatched. The Bulls’ defense set the tone as David Smith snagged a crucial interception near their own end zone early on, halting Liberty’s momentum before it could blossom. But it was the Bulls’ offense that made the real statement, with QB Garry Griggs carving up Liberty’s defense with 255 passing yards and a touchdown, while mixing in a steady ground game that bulldozed for 156 yards and a rushing score thanks to James Sotelo’s relentless work. Sotelo’s dual threat was a nightmare for Liberty's defense, piling up 72 yards on the ground and adding 83 through the air—including a critical touchdown reception that iced the game.
Liberty’s offense, led by Kyle Goodale, found few answers. Though Goodale threw for a respectable 226 yards and a late touchdown to Thaddeus Winfrey, it wasn’t enough to shake the Bulls’ grip. The Bulls' defense, particularly standout RDE Cyril Thomas with two sacks, magnified pressure on Liberty's offense, forcing turnovers and consistently stalling drives. The Bulls’ secondary, backed by a crucial interception from James Cone, suffocated Liberty’s aerial attack.
Kicker Michael Thomas was the embodiment of perfection on this autumn Sunday, drilling all five field goal attempts and keeping the scoreboard ticking for the Bulls. His boomers from range stretched Liberty’s already thin defensive resources and kept them increasingly on their heels. On the other side, Liberty’s Tom Ahl could only muster one successful field goal attempt, a testament to the Bulls' impregnability in the red zone.
While Liberty managed a fleeting glimmer of hope with a huge 57-yard touchdown bomb to Winfrey, that moment was more a brief flicker than a true threat. The Bulls’ relentless execution wiped out any chance of an upset, particularly in the second half, when Griggs’ touchdown pass to David Marcus put the game firmly out of reach.
Offensively ruthless, defensively suffocating, special teams flawless: the Bulls epitomized dominance all across the board. At 8-0 and a flawless 3-0 within the division, Jason Burton’s squad remains the team to beat, charging forward with 249 points scored versus a mere 66 allowed.
Liberty’s struggles continue in a tough season marred by defensive lapses and offensive inefficiency, now 3-5 and limping home in fourth place within the division. They must regroup fast or risk falling further behind in the standings.
Jason Burton’s Bulls are not just winning; they’re dismantling opponents with style and grit. If this Week 8 statement game is any indication, this team’s run won’t be stopped – not now, not this season. Home or away, they’re the unstoppable force, and Liberty learned that the hard way today.
Bulls Roast Liberty 29-10, Keep Perfect Run Alive
Jason Burton’s Bulls showcase dominance on the road with balanced attack and steel defense, leaving Liberty stunned in Week 8 showdown.
Cedric Tackett
· Red Rock Herald
· 10/24/1999