Liberty Ignites Second-Half Comeback, Defeats Coastal Carolina 34-17 (9-24-26)
BY: LMS NETWORK TEAM
HEADLINE PHOTO CREDIT: LIBERTY FOOTBALL
CONWAY, S.C. — September 24, 2026 — Liberty turned a seven-point halftime deficit into a commanding road victory Thursday night, scoring 24 unanswered points to defeat Coastal Carolina 34-17 at Brooks Stadium.
The Flames improved to 3-1, securing their third consecutive victory in head coach Jamey Chadwell’s return to his former program.
Liberty opened the scoring with a Chase Reeves field goal before quarterback Deshawn Purdie connected with Makai Jackson for a 58-yard touchdown. Coastal Carolina responded with two second-quarter touchdowns, sending the Flames into halftime trailing 17-10.
The second half belonged entirely to Liberty.
Purdie found Jackson for a 33-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, tying the game. Reeves later connected from 24 yards to give the Flames a 20-17 advantage.
Backup quarterback Ethan Vasko extended the lead with an eight-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He later found Kam Davis for a six-yard scoring pass to seal the victory.
Davis delivered a career-high 166 rushing yards, while Jackson finished with 149 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Purdie threw for 216 yards and two scores.
Liberty’s defense was equally impressive, holding Coastal Carolina to just 47 second-half yards and shutting out the Chanticleers after halftime.
Game Stats
The victory showcased Liberty’s ability to respond under pressure. With a productive ground game, explosive passing plays and a dominant defensive finish, the Flames carried momentum into their next matchup against Delaware on October 2.
