Bruins lose Homecoming game to Blue Jays

COLUMBIA — The Rock Bridge football team lost its first district game, falling 26-14 to Liberty on Friday night at Rock Bridge Field.

Although the offensive line allowed only one sack, compared to 13 last week against Hickman, the Bruins' offense struggled. Senior quarterback Jake Morse completed 23-of-43 passes for 249 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Chase Mejia and Mike Petrick, senior wide receivers, accounted for much of the Bruins' rushing attack after sophomore running back Andrew Byrd was benched because of fumbling problems.

Mejia and Petrick combined for 34 yards on 15 carries.

The Bruins pulled within six points of the Blue Jays on a one-yard touchdown run by sophomore tight end Trey Millard late in the third quarter, but, Blue Jays senior wide receiver Jeff Cunningham returned the ensuing kickoff 79-yards for the game's final score. The Blue Jays failed the two-point conversion.

The Bruins (1-7) will continue district play next Friday at Blue Springs. The Blue Jays (3-5) will play Thursday at Oak Park.