The junior varsity Liberty Panthers played their last home game Thursday afternoon, beating the Effingham Rebels 14-7.

According to JV coach Ryan Glazer, his defense has driven a successful season, scoring five touchdowns in the last five games.

"When you play aggressive on defense you are able to force turnovers," Glazer said. "This can lead to good field position for your offense or even a touchdown."

In fact, the defense forced seven turnovers against the Rebels; five were interceptions and two fumble recoveries. A defensive interception by linebacker Cory Lazenby scored the JV squad’s first touchdown. Panther quarterback JJ Grant then connected to Jamel Perteet for the two-point conversion. The Panthers’ second touchdown came from defensive linemen Deante Lumpkin, who recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

Panther defender Jamie Jones earned two interceptions in the victory and Rodney Goffney earned two interceptions and made a key tackle on a Rebel drive in the fourth quarter when they attempted a sweep run on a fourth down and one.

Glazer said defensive end Anthony Dabson kept the pressure on the Rebels’ quarterback the entire game.

The coach said the offense moved the ball well through the air, but the running game struggled. The JV squad improves to 3-2. Their final game of the season is Oct. 15 in Richmond Hill.