The Liberal High School Bulldogs defeated the Diamond Wildcats Friday night.

Liberal got on the board first in the game on an 18-yard pass from Cole Williams to Jordan Meadows with 9:30 to go in the first quarter to take a 6-0 lead. Diamond needed just one minute to answer as T.J. Devins ran the ball 53 yards for the score.

After the two-point conversion, Diamond was able to take the lead, 8-6. Liberal retook the lead after Jordan Meadows scored on a 19-yard run on the first play of the second quarter, making it 14-8 following the two-point conversion.

The Wildcats pulled even on a short quarterback sneak with 7:34 to go in the third, giving Diamond a 14-14 tie. Diamond was able to gain the advantage with 1:54 to go in the third on a 66-yard pass to Lucas Dees, giving them an eight point lead at 22-14.

The Bulldogs were able to pull even just over a minute into the fourth as Ethan Bray took a one yard run into the endzone. After the two-point conversion, the Wildcats' lead was erased as Liberal tied the game at 22-22.

The final score of the game came on a 71-yard run by Cole Williams that led to a 30-22 win for the Bulldogs. The final game statistics showed just how close the game was as Liberal only outgained Diamond by three yards in total offense, 328-325.

Diamond won the turnover battle -- losing only one fumble in the game to Liberal's two -- and dominated the time of possession as well, but came up just short. Liberal's next contest is scheduled for Sept. 19, against Pierce City.