By : Brady Pierpont
(Photo/Brady Pierpont-The Mojo Network)
Liberty opened up the 2025 season with a strong start, beating Maine 28–7 at home. The game didn’t start in Liberty’s favor, as the Black Bears took the lead in the second quarter on a 77-yard touchdown run from Sincere Baines. That big play gave Maine some momentum, but Liberty answered right before halftime when new quarterback Ethan Vasko found Reese Smith in the end zone to tie the game at 7–7. Going into the break, both teams looked evenly matched, and it seemed like the second half would come down to who could make the bigger plays.
The third quarter turned into a defensive battle, with neither side able to find the end zone. Liberty’s defense held tough against Maine’s rushing attack, while the Flames’ offense had a few drives stall out before they could take the lead. But things completely changed in the fourth quarter. That’s when Liberty took over, with Vasko throwing touchdown passes to Evan Dickens and Donte Lee Jr. to give the Flames control. Just a few minutes later, Vasko showed off his legs as well, scoring on a 13-yard run to put the game away.
It was an impressive debut for Vasko, the transfer from Coastal Carolina, who finished with 197 yards through the air, three passing touchdowns, and another score on the ground to go with 63 rushing yards. For Maine, the early spark faded quickly as mistakes piled up — two turnovers, several punts, and struggles on third down made it tough to keep up after halftime. Liberty’s late surge gave them a comfortable win and a 1–0 record to kick off the season. Next up, the Flames hit the road to face Jacksonville State in their first Conference USA matchup of the year, hoping to carry the momentum into week two.