HS Football: Lakes Survives Late Surge from Liberty

11/14/2025

(Lakewood, WA) The Liberty Patriots came into Friday’s 3A round of 16 game with a 9-1 record. The Lakes Lancers also had a 9-1 record but came in as the #5 seed so they got to host.

Lakes took the opening drive 60 yards ending in a 7 yard touchdown run by Romiece Taviuni. Liberty went 3 and out on their first drive but the punt was shanked and gave the Lancers the ball back at the Pats 44 yard line. Jadis Lefono threw a bomb to Tristan Baker in a one play drive and a 14-0 lead early in the 1st quarter.

Liberty answered on their next drive on a 3 yard touchdown by Spencer Bogh. After 3 straight drives by both teams the Patriots put together a game tying drive. Dawson Durham found Tyke Hamilton in the endzone from 16 yards out with 91 seconds remaining in the half. Marek Wright intercepted a Lefono pass on the next drive and the half ended even at 14.

Halftime Lakes 14 Liberty 14

The Lancers broke the tie on their first drive of the 2nd half. Lefono got some timely blocks from his receivers on his way to a 72 yard touchdown run. A great kick return to the Lancers 18 put the Patriots on the doorstep. However the drive stalled and the 35 yard field goal attempt was blocked. Liberty forced a 3 and out on Lakes next possession. The Patriots drove down the field and after a 2 yard touchdown run by Dawson Durham the 3rd quarter ended in a 21-21 tie.

Both teams knew what was on the line and went toe to toe and blow for blow. Lakes got another rushing TD from Taviuni, this one from 2 yards. Liberty answered with a 5 yard rushing touchdown from Tristan Klein. Lakes countered with a 17 yard run from Korben Reed to go up 35-28 with 55 seconds left on the clock.

Liberty used the sideline to perfection driving down the field in just 3 plays. On the 4th play with time running out Durham started to scramble and threw a pass into a crowd in the end zone and Spencer Bogh made a spectacular diving catch. The Patriots didn’t want to go for the tie; they wanted the win and elected to go for 2. The jet sweep to Josh Feren was sniffed out by the Lancers defense securing the 35-34 win for Lakes.

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