COLUMBUS GROVE, OH (WLIO) – Liberty-Benton left no doubt in its season-opening statement, rolling past Columbus Grove, 41-3, on Friday night in a rematch of last year’s lopsided Bulldog win. The Eagles flipped the script from 2024’s 42-14 loss, striking early and often behind a dynamic offensive performance and a stifling defense. Quarterback Connor Barbara set the tone in the first quarter, launching a deep touchdown pass to senior Seth Elchert on 3rd-and-19. A blocked PAT left Liberty-Benton with an early 6-0 lead. The Eagles struck again on their next drive. Set up at the 2-yard line, Zach Elchert powered his way into the end zone, extending the lead to 13-0. Liberty-Benton continued the onslaught in the second quarter. Barbara faked a handoff and kept the ball himself, fooling the defense — and the cameras — before absorbing a hit and stretching across the goal line for another touchdown. The Eagles took a commanding 27-0 lead. Columbus Grove managed to get on the board before halftime. Quarterback Landon Best found Gavin Barraza wide open across the middle, setting up a field goal to make it 27-3 at the break. But that was all the offense the Bulldogs could muster. Liberty-Benton added two more touchdowns in the second half and locked things down defensively to seal the 41-3 win. The Eagles will look to carry their momentum into Week 2, while Columbus Grove aims to regroup after a tough loss on their home turf.

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