By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Salina Liberty will begin CIF play at home today with a 6:35 kickoff against the Wichita Force.
Salina finished their 2019 CIF season just three yards shy of the national title while Wichita missed the playoffs with the worst record in the league at 2-10.
This version of the Force however, has received some upgrades, with two offseasons to recruit rookies and train veterans.
“They have some very long and athletic offensive linemen and quick and aggressive defensive backs,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “Those are some of the areas where Wichita is a little bit different from what they had in the past. Their receiving corps is extremely fast and they have a big linebacker that wasn’t there a few years ago.”
After defeating the Arlington Longhorns in a preseason exhibition game, the Liberty returned seven veterans to the active roster and made their final preseason cuts ahead of tonight's game.
“I’m happy to have our seven veteran all-stars back and healthy,” O’Neal said. “I feel good with what we have and I think they have a good understanding of what we want to do this week against Wichita.”
Offensively the battle for QB1 rages on between Mitch Kidd and Tyrie Adams, who was sidelined for a majority of the teams game against Arlington with a minor injury but will be active tonight.
Joining Tracy Brooks in the backfield will be Nelson Brown, who impressed in all facets of the game against Arlington.
On defense, Cal product Rusty Becker will join the wrecking crew of Jake Lattimer and Travis Taylor up front, while Deantre Roberts, who had two interceptions against the Longhorns, will slot in at DB alongside Dontra Matthews.
The final concrete defensive addition made prior to tonight's game is at linebacker, where punishing heavy hitter Oscar Scott will join Naiquan Thomas to round out a defense that has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
Salina will have to be cautious of Wichita cornerback Kionce Roberts, who made big plays against the Liberty back in 2019.
“Roberts is still one of the best corners in the game,” O’Neal said. “We definitely have to keep our eyes on him at all times, he makes plays every time we play them no matter what our game plan is.”
Kickoff from the Tony’s Pizza Events Center is scheduled for 6:35pm and can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM).
Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of the 2021 Salina Liberty season.