The fact that Liberty made it to the 3A state quarterfinals last year without an offense that fit it perfectly should worry the rest of the KingCo. The fact that Liberty has now had an offseason to draw up an offense that fully utilizes its budding star of a quarterback should really, really worry the rest of the KingCo.
All of the success (9-3, second place in KingCo 3A/2A) last year came under a system that, to a certain degree, wasn’t tailored to its quarterback. Junior quarterback Trey Wheeler grew up in Liberty’s youth program, but moved away his freshman year. Five days before practice started last August, he moved back to Renton.
“We weren’t ready to be a wide-open team last year,” said Liberty coach Steve Valach. “But all of the sudden he’s moving back, and pretty quickly he was the guy at quarterback.”
Even with the last-minute shuffle last season, Wheeler passed for 1,683 yards and scored 16 touchdowns (three rushing). He also made the AP 3A all-state team as a punter. Now that Valach and the staff have had a full offseason to install a system that utilizes Wheeler’s strengths better, expect the Patriots to be even more deadly by air in their fly/spread offense.
Wheeler gets a big weapon back in 6-foot-3 junior Jake Bainton. Bainton broke his wrist a few days before last season started and missed all of the regular season. He came back in the playoffs and made some big plays. Bainton will start at punter and showcase some of his playmaking ability with Wheeler in the passing game.
“He’s a big-time stud,” Valach said. “He kind of doesn’t know what a stud he is yet.”
Wheeler and Bainton have been playing football together nearly constantly since fifth or sixth grade. Bainton will start at right end and free safety.
The third junior, and maybe first option, on offense is Chandler Jenkins. Jenkins rushed 123 times for 736 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He also caught 23 passes for 369 yards and three scores.
Jenkins will take over the feature role in the backfield from the graduated Greg Ericksen (who rushed for 18 touchdowns last year).
Valach compared Jenkins to Marshall Faulk (former NFL player) because of he is a threat to run or receive out of the backfield. Jenkins will also start at right cornerback.
Kyle Ahrens and Marcell Bell will fill in at fullback and get carries in Liberty’s multi-faceted rushing attack. Peter Wiggum will take over at the X receiver spot for the graduated Richard Crespo (51 catches for 762 yards last year).
New players Troy Colyer (all-state baseball player) and Kevin Ton will will play big roles in the passing game.
The Patriots lost a number of key players on offense, but they aren’t worried about replacing the production.
“Everybody that’s poised and ready to fill those shoes has done what they need to do,” Wheeler said. “And I think those shoes will be filled well.”
The offensive line is experienced and talented, starting with center Alex Kaser. Anthony Olobia, Coleton Langdon, Richard Weisberg, Connor Callahan and Chad Smith will see time on the line.
Olobia is an intriguing player. The 6-foot-3 sophomore will start defensive end and offensive tackle.
“He’s got a motor,” Valach said. “He’s like Mkristo but faster.”
Mkristo Bruce attended Liberty and played defensive end at Washington State University. He has also played for three teams in the NFL.
The biggest motivator for Liberty this year will be living up to its own expectations. After a 9-3 season that ended in the 3A state quarterfinals, anything less will be a disappointment.
“That’s the great thing about success is your expectation is to do at least what you did the year before,” Valach said. “This group is motivated to take it a couple of steps farther than last year.”
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