(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) LHHS freshman quarterback Lucas Rizzotto looks for a receiver during the team's game Thursday against Burnet.

By Merle Bertrand, Sportswriter

The freshman district title was up for grabs Thursday night (Nov. 3) at Panthers Stadium. Both the Liberty Hill Panthers and their old foes the Burnet Bulldogs came into the contest undefeated in district play at 3-0. But for those who believe in omens, one play midway through the first quarter of Burnet’s 56-0 wipeout of the Panthers was a sign of the frustrating night ahead.

After an exchange of fumbles on each team’s first possession, the Panthers had the ball and were driving on the Bulldogs. On a first and goal from the Burnet 7-yard line, the Panthers’ Taylor Pogue ran left but was smacked hard by a Burnet defender. The ball popped straight up into the air then plopped into the welcoming arms of Burnet’s Wyatt Shepherd, who rumbled 93-yards in the other direction for a Bulldogs touchdown.

It was that kind of night for the Panthers.

Actually, Liberty Hill moved the ball reasonably well in the first half but could never breach the goal line while the game was still competitive.

Instead, the Panthers surrendered five fumbles – including a second one returned for a Bulldogs touchdown – and Burnet recovered an onside kick to pour salt in the wound.

Meanwhile the Bulldogs offense was in overdrive behind quarterback Cameron Chafin (7-7 for 224 yards and 4 TDs) and a rushing attack that added an additional 166 yards.

As a team, the Panthers mustered 177 yards on 44 carries but the turnovers consistently sabotaged the Liberty Hill offense.

With the loss, Liberty Hill’s otherwise successful 2011 freshman season draws to a close.