By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
After an 0-4 start, the Liberty’s long-awaited comeback was completed last night, as Salina won its sixth game in seven attempts, dramatically defeating the Southwest Kansas Storm 53-52 to punch a ticket to the AF1 playoffs.
In the last two weeks, the Liberty have led for a total of three seconds.
They won both games.
Much like last week, Southwest Kansas jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on three first-half Liberty turnovers to hold a 27-7 edge in the second quarter.
A field goal just before the intermission put the Storm in front 37-21 at the half, and on the other side of the break, Southwest Kansas picked up right where they left off, scoring a Jalen Morton rushing touchdown on their last two drives of the frame.
Down 52-36, it was going to take a nearly perfect fourth quarter for the Liberty to complete a comeback.
Backup quarterback Javin Kilgo, who entered a second-straight game for the injured Rakeem Cato, began the effort with a rushing touchdown of his own to open the fourth-quarter scoring and trim the lead to nine.
An errant pass over the middle of the field was intercepted by Freddie McGee, giving the Liberty a possession that they capitalized on when Kilgo hit offensive lineman Aleki Tapa for a touchdown that brought the Liberty within two.
Threatening to put the game away, Jalen Morton delivered a pass to the back corner of the end zone that was bobbled onto the top of the wall, and ripped down by RJ Jarrett for Salina’s second straight pick.
While the Liberty did not score on the ensuing drive, their defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs and earning one last chance in the final minute.
Salina methodically marched down the field, getting in range for a 25-yard field goal attempt for Bailey Hale, who hit a game winner over the Southwest Kansas Storm just one week prior.
This kick was a near carbon copy, as Hale blasted it right down the middle, delivering Salina a 53-52 lead, their first of the day, with one second remaining.
The ensuing kickoff was little more than a formality as Salina finished the job, and staked a claim to the AF1’s 4-seed, eliminating the Billings Outlaws in the process.
Rakeem Cato and Javin Kilgo combined for six touchdowns and just one interception on the day, while Fast Ed Smith completed a hat trick, hauling in three touchdown catches on 14 receptions for 121 yards.
This victory also ensures another winning season for head coach Heron O’Neal, who has never had a losing record in eight years as Salina’s leader.
The Liberty will travel to Albany to battle the undefeated Firebirds (10-0) next week while Southwest Kansas makes the long trek to Nashville for a date with the Kats.
All playoff games will be broadcast on Vice TV.