The Liberty varsity football team from Liberty, MO, will face Park Hill from Kansas City, MO, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: Park Hill vs Liberty
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 6
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Park Hill vs. Liberty
In a highly anticipated playoff game, Park Hill (9-2) will take on Liberty (8-3) in what promises to be a hard-fought contest. These teams previously met in the regular season, where Park Hill emerged victorious with a 21-17 win, but Liberty will be eager to turn the tables in this postseason matchup.
Season Recap: Park Hill
- Record: 9-2
- Points For/Against: 373 PF, 230 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.9 points per game
Park Hill enters the game with a balanced offensive attack and a strong defense. Their win over Liberty in October was a solid performance, especially considering it was a road game. Park Hill has been particularly strong in the second half, scoring 7 points in each of the last three quarters against Liberty during their regular-season win.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Park Hill is led by Jaxon Hicks, who has had a stellar season with 206.2 rushing yards per game, and Jackson L Froehlich, who is their primary receiving threat. The team has consistently put up big numbers in their victories.
- Defense: While the defense isn’t their primary strength, Park Hill has been solid at limiting opponents’ scoring, including only 7 points in the second half of their regular-season matchup with Liberty.
Season Recap: Liberty
- Record: 8-3
- Points For/Against: 344 PF, 199 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.3 points per game
Liberty has had a strong season despite a few tough losses. Their offense is led by Connor Hatfield, who has had a solid passing game, and their defense has kept them in many games, including a dominant performance in their playoff opener. Liberty’s ability to respond in tough situations will be tested as they face Park Hill again.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Liberty’s offense is well-rounded, with Jaxon Hicks on the ground and Connor Hatfield providing stability in the passing game. However, their offense will need to be more explosive than in the regular season to compete with Park Hill.
- Defense: Liberty’s defense has been strong, allowing only 199 points this season, but they will need to adapt to Park Hill’s efficient offense, which scored 21 points against them in their previous matchup.
Head-to-Head:
- Previous Result (October 4th):
- Park Hill: 21
- Liberty: 17
- Location: Away (Park Hill)
- Key Note: This was a tightly contested game with Park Hill winning by just 4 points. Liberty put up a solid fight but could not catch up after falling behind in the third quarter.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Park Hill | Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 289.0 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 77.6 | – |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 77.6 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 366.6 | – |
| Points Per Game | 33.9 | 31.3 |
Key Players to Watch
- Park Hill:
- Jaxon Hicks (RB): Hicks is the star running back for Park Hill, leading the team in rushing with 206.2 yards per game. His performance will be critical for controlling the tempo and moving the chains.
- Connor Hatfield (QB): As the quarterback, Hatfield will need to make key plays in the passing game to complement the run and keep Liberty’s defense off-balance.
- Jackson L Froehlich (WR): Froehlich will be a key target for Hatfield in the passing game and could make crucial catches in critical moments.
- Liberty:
- Jaxon Hicks (RB): Hicks has been a key offensive weapon, contributing significantly in the ground game. Liberty will rely on him to provide balance and control the clock.
- Connor Hatfield (QB): Hatfield is the leader of the offense and will need to play at a high level to help Liberty move the ball effectively and score points against Park Hill’s defense.
Common Opponents:
- Park Hill vs. Liberty: Both teams have faced off against several of the same opponents, including North Kansas City, Park Hill South, and Oak Park, with both teams winning most of their common matchups.
- Park Hill has had a perfect record against common opponents (6-0), while Liberty has gone 4-0 in these matchups.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Park Hill | Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-2 | 8-3 |
| League Record | 5-0 | 4-1 |
| Non-League Record | 2-2 | 1-2 |
| Playoff Record | 2-0 | 2-0 |
Keys to Victory
For Park Hill:
- Control the Clock: With their strong running game, especially from Jaxon Hicks, Park Hill can dominate the time of possession and wear down Liberty’s defense.
- Efficient Passing: While their strength lies in the run game, Connor Hatfield will need to make key throws to open up the offense and keep Liberty’s defense honest.
- Defensive Discipline: Park Hill’s defense must stay disciplined and avoid giving up big plays, especially to Liberty’s running backs.
For Liberty:
- Explosive Plays: Liberty will need to create more explosive plays in both the run and passing game to keep up with Park Hill’s scoring.
- Defensive Adjustments: Liberty must find a way to slow down Jaxon Hicks and limit his impact on the game. This will be crucial to their chances of success.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Liberty must capitalize on every opportunity in the red zone to stay in the game and avoid settling for field goals.
Prediction:
This game is expected to be a closely contested rematch of their earlier season encounter. Park Hill has the edge due to their powerful offense and strong defense, but Liberty’s ability to adjust and their resilience could make this a nail-biting affair.
