LIBERTY – For 26 years, Jim O’Connor has coached many Liberty athletes, whether it be as the head or modified football coach or on the baseball diamond and parquet floor.

While this season has been one filled with offensive struggles and on the low end of the Section 9 Class B standings, one thing that hasn’t been questioned about this year’s Liberty Indians’ varsity football squad is their fight and their heart.

When the Highland Huskies came to town last Friday, the Indians’ will and desire to send O’Connor, who is affectionately referred to as ‘Coach O,’ home with a win in the last football game he’d coach at Liberty, would not be denied. 

The Indians defeated the visiting Huskies, 7-0.

Liberty Head Coach Adam Lake, who played baseball for O’Connor during his years wearing the Red and White, said O’Connor told the group of young men to go out there and get the win for themselves, but Lake said deep down, they wanted to win for ‘Coach O.’ 

O’Connor was an assistant on this year’s staff, and while it was great to go out with a win, he’s happier for the kids.

“This season was special,” he said. “Even though we didn’t win in the beginning, they kept improving and you could tell we were getting closer.

“These kids are one of the nicest ball teams I’ve ever coached and their Liberty Pride always showed.”

O’Connor plans to retire at the end of the school year and relocate to Florida, where he hopes to continue coaching.

“So I can’t say I’m done yet,” he said.

Circling back to the game against Highland, Lake said it was scoreless until late in the third quarter when Londyn Guara scored on a quarterback sneak. Jamal McCline followed up with a successful extra point, to put the Indians up 7-0.

While the Huskies tried to answer in the fourth, a Tanner Bury interception sealed the deal.

“I was extremely happy for the guys,” said Lake. “This group didn’t give up on themselves, the team or the coaching staff. They kept grinding it out and got what they deserved.”