Liberty lived up to its reputation as a fourth-quarter team, pulling away late for a 28-7 victory over Maine in Saturday’s season opener at Williams Stadium.
The Flames were held to just one score in the first half and went into the locker room tied 7-7, but exploded for 21 unanswered points in the final 15 minutes. Liberty outgained the Black Bears 133–77 in the fourth quarter, a continuation of the late-game dominance Head Coach Jamey Chadwell has emphasized since arriving in 2023.
Quarterback Ethan Vasko, a Coastal Carolina transfer, delivered in his debut, throwing for 197 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-33 passing while adding 63 rushing yards and a score. Georgia Tech transfer Evan Dickens celebrated his birthday with a 24-yard touchdown catch to spark the fourth-quarter run, while Reese Smith hauled in six receptions for 46 yards, including a nine-yard TD just before halftime.
Defensively, Liberty allowed only one big play—a 77-yard touchdown run in the second quarter—but otherwise stifled Maine. The Flames forced two turnovers, including a CJ Bazile Jr. sack and fumble recovery, and an interception by Amarian Williams. Bazile and linebacker Aidan Vaughan each finished with six tackles to lead the defense.
With the win, Liberty extended its identity as a program that thrives late, once again proving its strength in the closing stages.