2024 preview of the defending Class 6 state champion Liberty North Eagles
LIBERTY, Mo. —
Class: 6
Head Coach: Andy Lierman (3rd season as head coach.)
Conference: Gold Division of the Suburban Conference
2023 Record: 4-0 in Conference (Conference Champs), 13-1 Overall (Class 6 State Champions)
2023 Scoring: Offense 37 PPG Defense 12.5 PPG
Returning Starters: Offense: 3 Defense: 5
After reaching the state final in 2021 and the semifinals in 2022, the Eagles soared to victory in 2023, claiming a well-deserved state championship—the first in the long-storied history of the Liberty School District.
The statistics speak for themselves: the 2023 campaign demonstrated an electrifying Eagles’ offense that averaged a school record of 37 points per game, coupled with a formidable defense that held opponents to just 12.5 points per game.
The season was a testament to the Eagles’ unwavering excellence, as they clinched their third consecutive conference title and their fourth consecutive district championship. Head Coach Andy Lierman’s exceptional leadership did not go unnoticed, as he was rightfully named the Class 6 Coach of the Year.
A heavy load of talent from last year moved on to the college ranks, including Melvin Laster (UNLV), Keelan Smith (Nebraska), Jay Ross (Alabama), Jacorey Love (SEMO), Micah Barnett (William Jewell), Cole Young (UCM – baseball), Trey Snyder (5th Round Draft Pick, New York Mets), Braden Gifford (Pitt State), Theo Gibson (Pitt State- track).
Eagle Nation will see a re-loaded and determined team in 2024, looking for another deep playoff run.
“We feel like we’ve got some really good pieces in place,” says Head Coach Andy Lierman, “We have got some guys that are going to have to grow and mature and get better throughout the season. We have guys who have spent the last three to four years preparing themselves for this opportunity to play. I am excited about what we have. We have been working to continue to mold our team and get ready. We are working and trying to get better each and every day.”
One big piece coming back is First Team All-State quarterback Tillman Martin. He led the most prolific offense in school history last season, averaging almost 200 yards per game passing. The 6-foot-4 210-pound leader of the offense had an outstanding offseason playing 7on7 nationally ranked Stretch-the-Field Football Academy team.
“I fully expect him to be the one in control of that offense,” says Lierman. “He is bigger and stronger than he was last year. I think he’s put on about 20 pounds. He can sling it a mile, and he understands defenses. He knows our offense, and he knows what to do. I’m really excited about what he’s going to bring to the table this year.”
A hard-working power-lifting All-State Ryan Hudson at linebacker will be ready for his final campaign. The 6-foot 200-pound Hudson is an old-school football player that started getting on the field his freshman season. He is a constant threat to opposing offenses. Hudson can sack. He can make big plays.
“He’s a kid that does everything the right way,” says Lierman. “He’s not out there just to look good or talk. Ryan comes out and wants to be a physical linebacker. He has grown into that leadership role. He’s played a whole lot of football. He understands what it takes to get where we want to go. We are counting on him a lot.”
Two-time state wrestling champion, junior Motie Williams, 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, is back. The All-State offensive lineman is a force for opponents to deal with.
“We’re counting on Motie to be the leader of that offensive line He blocks on offensive line like he wrestles. He is just super physical and gets after guys and initiates contact. He is going to hunt you down.”
Blue Renfrow, a 6-foot-4 All-State kicker, is back. He can make kicks in all conditions, essential for late-season playoff football.
All-District defensive-end Ryne Jensen, defensive lineman Jordan Ivy, and specialist Gray Carter are all returning.
Ryne Jensen is 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, and plays three sports. A big, physical kid who plays basketball and throws the javelin in track.
“Jordan Ivy is a fast twitch machine. He’s about 6-foot 275 pounds. Jordan brings a whole lot of power and strength with that. He might be one of the best defensive linemen in the entire city,” says Lierman.
Coach Lierman likes where this program has been and where it is going.
“We have been able to put together the things we practiced, worked on, and focused on, which has paid dividends. When you have done the work that needs to be done, you have the opportunity to be able to win big games and to go out and finish.”
The Liberty North Eagles have consistently proven to be a force to be reckoned with season after season. Their formidable lineup of experienced and talented players, coupled with a coaching staff that exudes laser-focused determination, sets them apart in Class 6. As they gear up for yet another exciting season, the Eagles show no signs of wavering in their pursuit of excellence.
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