TEMPE - In the course of his rise to the status as Arizona's high school football offensive guru, Liberty Coach Colin Thomas' teams became known for a warp speed attack that matched innovative play design and intricate route concepts.
For most of the second half of Saturday's Open Division title showdown against Chandler Basha, the urgency and tempo remained. But the plays did not feature much misdirection, instead becoming a mix of fairly straightforward runs and the occasional RPO pass.
Workmanlike senior running back Dominic Lombardo, usually part of a fairly three-man rotation with junior Esteban Demby-Lamas and sophomore Jayden Sanchez, was the star of the night with 140 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. Four two-year starters on the offensive line opened the path.
