Liberty breaks out behind Harman, defense
Josh Bakan
LIBERTY — Great skill-position players, a tough offensive line and a defense that hasn't surrendered points since September surround Grant Harman. But Liberty likely wouldn't enter the state tournament undefeated without the senior quarterback's improvement from last season.
Harman has thrown for 1,154 yards with 21 touchdowns, a 61.8 completion percentage and just four interceptions. Last season he totaled 313 yards passing with four touchdowns, a 42.6 completion percentage and four interceptions.
But Harman credits his teammates.
"We have a lot of great skill people this year," he said. "I have a lot of receivers to throw to. Our line stepped up big. The protection has been great. It's just been all good all-around."
At 6-foot-4, Harman has the field vision to see that as well as anyone. Seeing the field is one of Harman's strong points, and an important skill taught to him by assistant coach Matt Stoddard, a former Liberty quarterback.
Head coach John Wilhelm sees areas in which Harman has progressed since last year, including football knowledge.
"Grant's a pretty intelligent kid, and he understands things," Wilhelm said. "That helps. He understands the game. Confidence is definitely a big thing. This year he's definitely more confident running the offense and knowing where people are supposed to be on the field."
Harman helped Liberty record some impressive victories even before his defense started its shutout streak. Liberty hasn't allowed a point since a 56-10 win over Tri-Valley, shutting out six teams since.
He was 11-for-18 with four touchdowns in the 40-34 season-opening win over then-defending section champion Millbrook. Harman followed with an 8-for-8 passing day in a rainy 41-16 win over James I. O'Neill on Sept. 12.
Liberty's defense began the shutout streak in a 27-0 win over Chester on Oct. 2. Liberty entered the game with a strong quarterback, position players and defense. But the Chester game drove something into senior running back/linebacker Kevin Morgans' mind.
"It was in our heads after we beat Millbrook," Morgans said of winning a title. "But for me, it was really halftime at Chester."
jbakan@th-record.com
Twitter: @JoshBakan845
Liberty (10-0) vs. Dobbs Ferry (7-0)
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Dietz Stadium, Kingston
About Liberty: The Indians last allowed a point on Sept. 26 in a 56-10 win over Tri-Valley. Kevin Morgans leads Liberty with 887 yards rushing and 98 tackles.
About Dobbs Ferry: The Eagles won a state title in 2011. Fullback Jibril Kapadia led the team's 35-0 sectional-final victory over Woodlands. Kapadia had 26 carries for 119 yards, ran for two scores and threw for another.
Up next: The winner will play in the semifinals at 11 a.m. next Saturday at Dietz Stadium against the winner of Greenwich-Gouverneur.