RENO — Like a 1960s hippie, Liberty football coach Rich Muraco couldn’t help having flashbacks.
Three years ago, the Patriots ventured north for the Class 4A state semifinals and had a chance to seal a victory with a late fourth-down conversion but couldn’t convert and lost to Reed in the final minute.
Liberty faced almost an identical situation Saturday and again was stuffed with a chance to ice the game.
But this time, the defense came though when the Patriots needed it most.
Dariyen Sample forced a fumble that was recovered by Noah Espinoza with 1:41 remaining to preserve Liberty’s 30-27 victory over Damonte Ranch at McQueen High.