2026 Preview: Liberty Falcons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome to Prep Redzone Oregon's 2026 Football Season Preview series! Over the next several weeks, I'll be highlighting programs from around the state as we count down to kickoff. Let's be honest, 6A football gets plenty of attention, so this series is all about shining a light on the outstanding players, coaches, and programs throughout Oregon's smaller classifications. Over the summer, I reached out to head coaches across the state to learn more about their teams heading into the season. These previews are built using their insight, giving fans a look at each program's expectations, players to watch, and goals for 2026. Every article is based on the coaches who took the time to respond, helping tell the story of their program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Liberty Falcons</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Liberty Falcons begin a new chapter in 2026 as they move down from the 6A level into 5A's Special District 3. Liberty finished 5-5 a season ago, earning a spot in the 6A alternate playoff bracket before falling to Clackamas in the opening round. Now under a new classification, head coach Dustin McGee believes his team has the opportunity to compete immediately while embracing a fresh set of opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach McGee described the offseason as productive, with many of Liberty's athletes balancing multiple sports throughout the spring before turning their attention fully to football. Throughout June and July, the emphasis has been on getting faster, stronger, and continuing to build chemistry as a team. That commitment to development has McGee optimistic about what this senior-heavy roster can accomplish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Our expectations are always to simply be the best we can be and get the most out of the talent we have each year," McGee said. "I think we have an opportunity with the group we have to be very competitive and push for a playoff spot in November." As the Falcons adjust to a new league, they believe they have the experience and leadership necessary to make an immediate impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591728"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c683"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newport enters his third season as a starter and is one of the premier playmakers on Liberty's roster. Coach McGee described him as one of the most instinctive football players he has coached, praising both his understanding of the game and ability to consistently make plays. He is also a player the Liberty staff believes deserves much more attention from college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2086882"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c6cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A returning First Team All-League linebacker from the 6A level, Brisson is one of the Falcons' most productive defenders. He has a knack for finding the football, consistently makes tackles, and has shown the ability to create momentum-changing plays whenever he's on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253918"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c6f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brady returns as Liberty's starting center after another productive season up front. A smart, fundamentally sound lineman, he continues to develop physically while serving as a steady presence along the offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253925"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c713"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After an injury cut short his junior season, Cunningham is back healthy and poised for a breakout year. Coach McGee believes he has made the biggest jump on the roster since last season, both physically and mentally, and has embraced the role as the leader of Liberty's defense heading into 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253917"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c733"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the leaders in the trenches, Doelger returns for his third year as a starter and sets the tone with his physicality. Coach McGee called him the strongest player on the team, and his presence on both the offensive and defensive lines will be a major factor in Liberty's success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253920"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c752"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Spencer brings size and length to the offensive tackle position while also contributing defensively. His versatility and experience make him another key piece of Liberty's veteran offensive line as the Falcons transition into 5A competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2105976"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c771"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">James returns after earning Second Team All-League honors last season and will once again direct the Falcon offense. Coach McGee praised his football IQ and arm talent, believing he has all the tools to put together a standout junior campaign. As he continues to develop physically, he is another player Liberty expects college coaches to take notice of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2105977"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c78f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Westgaard returns after starting along the defensive line last season and has the work ethic and talent to become one of the top defensive ends in the conference. His motor stands out on film, and Liberty expects him to continue developing into an All-League caliber player over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2110640"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c7ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moreno saw valuable varsity time as a sophomore and now steps into an expanded role offensively. A tough, athletic football player, he is expected to handle the majority of Liberty's carries while continuing to make an impact in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253926"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a625fae2c7ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nwajagu possesses the natural size and strength that immediately catches your attention. As his understanding of the game continues to grow, Coach McGee believes he has the tools to become a high-level performer on both sides of the football and develop into a legitimate college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is plenty of excitement surrounding Liberty as the Falcons prepare for their first season competing in 5A. With a veteran offensive line, experienced leadership on defense, and a talented junior quarterback leading the offense, Liberty has the pieces to make noise in Special District 3 right away. Coach McGee summed up his team best: "This is a great group of student-athletes who love the game and love each other." If that culture continues translating onto the field, expect the Falcons to be firmly in the playoff conversation this fall. Liberty begins their 2026 campaign September 4th on the road against Churchill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->