September 3, 2012 | courtesy of www.LibertyFlames.com
Following his performance against Wake Forest on Saturday, Liberty’s kicker John Lunsford has been named this week’s Big South Freshman of the Week.
Lunsford was called upon to attempt a pair of 49-yard field goals during his first collegiate game, matching the number on the back of the rookie’s uniform.
Lunsford narrowly missed his first attempt as time expired at the end of the first half, pushing the 49-yard attempt wide to the right. However, the freshman was successful from the same distance during the fourth quarter, pulling the Flames within three, 20-17, with 9:39 left to play in the game.
Lunsford also finished the night 2-for-2 on point-after attempts and he averaged 62.0 yards per kickoff attempt (four kickoffs for 248 yards). Two of his kickoffs sailed into the end zone for the touchback, while one went out of bounds.
Lunsford will play his first collegiate home game on Saturday when the Flames host Norfolk State on Saturday at Williams Stadium. Kickoff for Liberty’s home-opening event is scheduled for 7 p.m.