PREP FOOTBALL Liberty's Humphrey & amp; Co. looking to avenge TAC loss

Last year, Hubbard handed Liberty its only loss of the regular season, 21-0.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
LIBERTY -- The marquee along the driveway leading to Liberty High School says it all: "Beat Hubbard."
That's the objective of the Leopards' football team Friday night when the Trumbull Athletic Conference showdown is played at Hubbard.
It's understandable, especially since Hubbard handed Liberty its only regular season loss last year -- a 21-0 defeat.
To say Liberty wants to get even would be an understatement.
John Humphrey, Liberty's senior punter, kicker and two-way end, can't help but feel the same way, but you wouldn't know it.
"Hopefully, we'll come out on top," he said. "I don't want to make any predictions."
Judging from those kind and carefully selected words, you would think that Humphrey feels compelled to remove the "Beat Hubbard" lettering just to keep peace.
That's fine, but once the 6-1, 208-pound Humphrey gets on Hubbard's turf and hears the whistle, he won't have to be polite.
It's Humphrey's cue to get down to business.
To fulfill its battle cry, Liberty will need a solid effort from Humphrey and the rest of the Leopards.
"My team helps me and I help them," Humphrey said.
Has double role
As defensive end, Humphrey is called upon to provide outside containment and control the gaps inside. As tight end, he's expected to sustain blocks during both running and passing plays.
Apparently, he has the speed, strength and intelligence to carry out the assignments.
"He's a very intelligent player and has a great mind and great sense for the game," said coach Jeff Whittaker. "He's very good with quick hands and feet."
Through four games, Humphrey has two catches for 17 yards.
His punting average is 36.8 for 11 punts and he's averaging 52.7 yards per kickoff. He has made two field goals, including a 45-yard success.
Will go to Purdue
Last spring, Humphrey, the son of John and Karen Humphrey of Liberty, made a verbal commitment to play at Purdue. The Boilermakers are currently ranked No. 11 under Joe Tiller.
He's the fourth Liberty player in the last three years to commit to a Division I football program. Last year, Marcellus Bowman committed to Boston College and Keith Forestal to Toledo. The year before, Bradley Fletcher committed to Iowa.
Whittaker described a few characteristics that Purdue coaches like about Humphrey.
"Of course, they want speed and size and someone who's a playmaker," Whittaker said. "They also liked his 'motor', the fact that he's at top speed the whole game."
Standout last year
Humphrey, a co-captain with Donovan Fletcher, is a three-year letterman who was one of the TAC-8's top defenders in 2004. As a junior, he played very little offense because of Forestal's presence.
Humphrey, who wears jersey No. 16, does have some recollection of last year's Hubbard game.
"I could have kept containment a little more," he said. "They had a strong fullback [in Ben Lane] and I think we made a couple mistakes that they took advantage of. But it's a new year, so you want to take them on and get a 'W'."
That loss helped Liberty get to the playoffs, Humphrey said.
"After that, we realized that we're not so invincible," he said. "That woke us up so we had to step up and play our best from there on out."
bassetti@vindy.com