Masha delivers in Liberty spring game

Apr 17, 2016 - 1:08 AM (STATS) - A lot of the key names have changed this year, but the Liberty football team hasn't lowered its high expectations.

This despite a rare subpar season a year ago - a 6-5 overall record and 3-3 mark in the Big South.

But fifth-year coach Turner Gill hopes the early look he got this spring indicates success this fall in Lynchburg, Virginia. His Flames wrapped up their spring practices with the White squad (offense) beating the Red squad (defense), 57-46, at Williams Stadium - using a modified scoring system which rewarded different play results.

New offensive coordinator Joe Dailey has switched the Flames from a pro-style attack to more of a spread, and junior quarterback Stephon Masha showed how it is tailored to him. He found Zac Parker for a 20-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game to complete an unofficial 12 of 18 passing performance for 124 yards. He had a high of 50 yards on a throw to B.J. Farrow.

The White jumped to a 45-6 lead, but had to hold on for the win.

Two years ago, Liberty both reached the FCS playoffs and won a game there for the first time, so the Flames are anxious to get back, albeit with many newcomers.

Despite last year's disappointing campaign, they were senior-laden, including four-year starting quarterback Josh Woodrum and Big South defensive player of the year Chima Uzowihe.

Liberty will open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 with a visit to Virginia Tech.