By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
Three words defined a dominant 39-11 Salina Liberty win over Sioux City on Saturday, and those words have energized Liberty Nation.
Houdini. Is. Back.
After four seasons away in the Canadian Football League, Tyrie Adams returned to Salina to help the Liberty finish out their inaugural NAL campaign, and his debut was a resounding success in arguably the most complete Salina win of the season.
The Liberty dominated Sioux City in all aspects, forcing a staggering six turnovers on defense, including four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Dion Kuinlan and Noah Hambrick found themselves with the football on five separate occasions, with two interceptions apiece, and a fumble recovered by Kuinlan late.
The usually excellent Lorenzo Brown wasnât given a moment to breathe, taking three sacks and completing just 7-25 for 63 yards, 1 touchdown, and 6 total turnovers.
On the Liberty side, Adams led an old attack in a new gear, completing 7-12 passes for 86 yards and three passing touchdowns while adding 36 yards and three additional scores on the ground.
Tracy Brooks and Kavon Samuels each had monster games, combining for 169 of Salinaâs 216 total yards on offense.
With this win, the Liberty slide into the NALâs 2-seed with just one week remaining in the regular season.
Salina can clinch a first-round bye with a win or a Pueblo loss next week, and will be guaranteed a home playoff game either way.
The Liberty conclude their regular season in Colorado next Saturday as they battle the Spartans for the second time this season.