LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Of all the teams across the South Plains, the Lubbock-Cooper Liberty Patriots showed the greatest turnaround, while sporting a 10-2 record and reaching the area round of the playoffs for the first time during their first year to have a senior class. They also outscored their opponents 599-171.
While facing a more demanding non-district schedule, head coach Joe Sexton says the Patriots have the potential to be a greater threat, especially with 37 seniors returning.
“The offseason has been awesome! Once we finally got all of our facilities going, the kids have really bought into the weight room and there’s a lot of kids in there on their own after school lifting and all summer long has been just a great turnout for our summer workouts,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of kids with a lot of experience. If something bad happens to somebody, we’re going to have the next guy up and be ready to go.”
Key returners include: QB Cy Leach, Pierce Fiorini, Hudson Hefner, Koleman Hendrix, Kaiden Joseph, Jeremiah Luyando, Isaac Rodriguez, and Rylan Thomas.
Pete’s Pigskin Preview is sponsored by Grid Iron Bells.
2026 schedule is listed below. Kickoff times set for 7 p.m.
8/28 @ Frenship Memorial 9/4 @ Frenship 9/11 Midland Greenwood 9/18 @ West Plains 9/25 Plainview 10/2 Dumas 10/9 @ Borger* 10/16 BYE 10/23 Estacado* 10/30 @ Levelland* 11/6 Perryton*
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.