Tavares, Florida – December 6, 2023

In a remarkable feat a few weeks ago Liberty Christian Prep’s football program celebrated a triumphant inaugural season by clinching the SSAA 1A 8-Man Tackle Football Championship. The Lions emerged victorious in a nail-biting championship clash against Geneva Classical Academy with a final score of 27-26, marking an unprecedented milestone for the school.

The championship win not only cements their place in history but also establishes a solid foundation for the future growth of the program.

(LCP Athletic Director Dwayne Walker stands with Head Coach and Pastor Chris Likely right who were a pivotal part of the teams success. Both men are deeply rooted in faith. They never stopped believing and ultimately won their first football championship in school history.)

Expressing his overwhelming emotions, Coach Likely acknowledged the pivotal role of his mentors, Coach Frank Scott and Cedric M Scott Sr. of Eustis High School. “Words can’t describe how I feel. Coaching is coaching, as Coach Frank always said. I thank God for the encouragement from Coach Frank and Cedric M Scott Sr.,” Coach Likely expressed, highlighting the transformative power of coaching in their journey.

Quarterback Luke Watts played a crucial role throughout the season, leading the team that initially faced setbacks, including losses by 50+ points. The players, many of whom had never played organized tackle football before, and the coaching staff held onto their belief, leading to a mid-season turnaround.

(Quarterback Luke Watts surrounded by his family. Watts was amazing to watch all season long. He finishes his first and last season of high school tackle football as a champion. A really cool story.)

Liberty Christian Prep plays 8-Man tackle football, a format with unique rules featuring eight players on the field. The team’s success in this category serves as a promising introduction for the program’s potential evolution into an eventual 11-Man tackle program.

Reflecting on the challenging but rewarding season, Coach Likely expressed, “It has been amazing to watch this program start from the ground up. Winning championships is the perfect way to grow the program.” The Lions’ unexpected success not only exceeded expectations but will forever be etched in the school’s history as the inaugural championship-winning team.

(The LCP football team lifting the championship trophy high after their win.)

As Liberty Christian Prep looks ahead to the future, the entire community celebrates the journey and eagerly anticipates the continued development and evolution of this historic football program. Congratulations to everyone involved in this unprecedented achievement, and here’s to the promising years ahead.