LIBERTY — “It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us.” -Senator John Kerry

And the best was exactly what was brought out on the field Thursday for the first ever “Red White and Blue Game” between Liberty and Monticello in remembrance of 9/11 and the tragedy that changed America forever. 

The game started with a moment of silence, followed by members of the Liberty and Monticello Police Departments as well as New York State Troopers coming to center field for the coin toss with both teams to start the contest.

The game got off to a slow start, with both teams being completely locked in on the defensive side with back to back four and outs for both teams. 

That all changed with 5:17 left in the first when Monticello’s Xavean Mitchell scored the first touchdown to put Monticello on the board with a 6-0 lead. 

Monticello followed up the score with a successful 2-point conversion to increase the lead to 8-0. 

This score had the games full momentum in Monticello’s favor, which led to a fast three-and-out by Liberty that was answered by a great punt return from Monticello’s Rafael Liciaga that ended the first with the score remaining at 8-0.

Liberty started the second quarter with some urgency, stopping Monticello’s further attacks and getting a turnover on downs, showing they weren’t going down that easy. 

Enrique Mercado had a huge run to start the charge for the Redhawks, which looked to be their key to keeping this game close with back to back great runs straight up the middle. 

However, just as the Liberty crowd was getting back into the game, the Panthers Xavean Mitchell silenced the crowd with a big time interception that was capped off by a Monticello touchdown from Seth Jackson that was called back by officials and led to a turnover on downs for the Panthers with 7:47 left in the half. 

With Liberty still in striking distance, they came out trying to put the ball in the end zone with some great run play calling, but ultimately Monticello forced another punt with 6:14 left in the half. 

Liberty’s defense came right back out and got huge stops back to back that led to their offense being brought back out on the field with time left to put some points on the board before the half. 

Liberty’s Jameel McCline kicked off the drive with a huge run to move the chains with 3:30 remaining in the half.

Once again, Liberty appeared to be gaining traction with the run game, but were stopped by Monticello with 2:24 left in the half.

Monticello scored after the first down stop by Liberty when a broken play turns into Monticello’s Quenten Liciaga being left wide open for the second score of the day for the Panthers to finish the half up 14-0.

Panthers get the ball to start the second half after a great Redhawks kick deep down field. 

Rafael Liciaga continued to dominate the game with great run after great run looking to further Monticello’s lead, but Liberty came back and got a stop needed to regain possession. 

Liberty controlled the time of possession for the majority of the 3rd, their offense driving for more than six minutes but were unable to punch it in for the score.

With the third quarter finished, and only one to play, the Panthers came out and got right on the board with the second score of the day for Rafael Liciaga, putting Monticello up 21-0 and in full control of things. 

Liberty had several great drives after the score but simply couldn’t punch it in and fell short to Monticello 21-0 in the first of a great rivalry that will be for years to come. 

Monticello’s Coach Arthur Johannes said, “It was a much needed win and was a great confidence booster that has us fired up.” 

He told the team to “enjoy the victory, but remember to not live in the glory, to get back out there, to keep building and keep progressing.” 

Both teams have divisional games that they’re looking forward to this upcoming week as Liberty takes on Saugerties and Monticello hosts Warwick.