Red Mountain vs Liberty Playoff Game 2025: Full Breakdown, Highlights & Key Insights
The Red Mountain vs Liberty Playoff Game 2025 captured statewide attention as two of Arizona’s premier high school football programs collided in a high-stakes postseason battle. With Liberty entering as a two-time defending Open Division champion and Red Mountain riding a season of disciplined, physical football, fans expected a competitive clash. Instead, the night delivered a dramatic story of momentum swings, turnovers, explosive plays, and one team proving why it remains the standard in Arizona.
This complete breakdown covers the pregame expectations, full game analysis, major plays, standout athletes, expert reactions, and what this matchup means for the future of Arizona high school football.
Introduction
The Red Mountain vs Liberty Playoff Game 2025 was much more than a quarterfinal. It was a matchup of powerhouse programs with contrasting identities: Red Mountain’s disciplined, physical, ball-control style vs Liberty’s fast-paced, explosive, quarterback-driven offense.
Fans anticipated a tightly fought battle—but football rarely follows predictions. Liberty flipped the momentum early and never looked back.
Game Overview
- Matchup: Red Mountain Mountain Lions vs Liberty Lions
- Date: November 21, 2025
- Location: Peoria, AZ
- Final Score: Liberty 48, Red Mountain 23
- Competition: Arizona Open Division State Playoffs
- Result: Liberty advances to semifinals
The storyline centered on Liberty’s ability to capitalize on Red Mountain turnovers and execute explosive scoring drives.
Pre-Game Expectations
Coming into the matchup:
- Red Mountain was known for their physical defense and ball-control offense.
- Liberty possessed the most dynamic offense in Arizona, mixed with aggressive defensive pressure.
- Analysts expected a close contest, especially after Red Mountain’s strong defensive performances all season.
The first five minutes looked competitive, but the script quickly changed.
Team Profiles
Red Mountain Mountain Lions
Red Mountain entered the playoffs with an identity built on:
- Strong offensive line
- Efficient quarterback play
- Hard-hitting front seven
- Disciplined defensive schemes
- Ability to limit big plays
Their approach is grounded in tempo control and minimizing mistakes. Unfortunately, turnovers became their downfall early on.
Liberty Lions
Liberty is the gold standard of Arizona high school football:
- Two-time Open Division state champion
- 36-game win streak against Arizona opponents
- High-scoring, quarterback-led offense
- Fast, athletic defense that thrives on takeaways
Their system is built around explosive playmaking—and they delivered exactly that.
First Half Breakdown
The opening minutes suggested a balanced game.
Red Mountain Strikes First
A quick defensive stop and early turnover gave Red Mountain possession deep in Liberty territory. They converted a 30-yard field goal, taking a 3–0 lead.
Momentum belonged to Red Mountain.
That didn’t last long.
Liberty Responds Immediately
Liberty turned a 4th-down gamble into a 41-yard touchdown from junior Braxton Huynh.
Score: Liberty 7–3
Red Mountain got the ball back and disaster struck.
Back-to-Back Red Mountain Turnovers
Two consecutive turnovers allowed Liberty to:
- Score a 26-yard rushing touchdown from QB Jayden Pico
- Add another quick TD, extending the lead to 20–3
In just 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the game flipped completely.
Liberty Takes Full Control
Liberty’s offense caught fire:
- Quick vertical strikes
- Dominant blocking
- Red Mountain unable to contain speed
By halftime, Liberty had scored 34 unanswered points, leading 34–3.
Second Half Breakdown
Red Mountain attempted a comeback, highlighted by:
- A 65-yard defensive strip-return TD from senior Tyreke Cornett
- An 18-yard TD reception late in the third quarter
But Liberty had already blown the game open.
The Pico Statement Play
Midway through the third quarter, QB Jayden Pico delivered a 52-yard rushing touchdown, sealing the game at 48–10.
Liberty’s balanced dominance—offensively and defensively—left no doubt.
Key Players & Performances
Liberty – QB Jayden Pico
- 3 total touchdowns
- 2 rushing TDs
- One 50+ yard scoring run
- Controlled tempo all night
Pico was the best player on the field.
Red Mountain – Tyreke Cornett
- 65-yard defensive TD
- 18-yard receiving TD
- Team spark plug
Cornett single-handedly kept Red Mountain competitive.
Additional Liberty Standouts
Braxton Huynh – Deep TD threat
Jayden Sanchez – Strong receiving production
Defense – Multiple turnovers forced
Turning Points of the Game
- Red Mountain’s first turnover
- Liberty’s 4th-down conversion TD
- Back-to-back Red Mountain miscues
- Pico’s explosive runs
Momentum never returned to Red Mountain after the 1st quarter.
Full Statistical Review
| Category | Red Mountain | Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 23 | 48 |
| Total TDs | 2 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Rushing Yards | Moderate | Dominant |
| Passing Yards | Limited | Explosive |
| Big Plays | Few | Many |
Liberty’s efficiency and turnover capitalizing were decisive.
Coach Reactions
Liberty Coach Colin Thomas
“We knew they were physical. We just had to get them out of their rhythm. Our guys played explosive, disciplined football on both ends.”
Red Mountain Coaching Perspective
Coaches acknowledged:
- Turnovers were costly
- Liberty’s pace created matchup challenges
- Team effort remained strong despite adversity
What This Win Means for Liberty
This victory:
- Extends Liberty’s in-state win streak to 36 games
- Sends them to the Open Division semifinals
- Reinforces their identity as Arizona’s top program
Fans now anticipate whether Liberty can secure a third straight state title.
What’s Next for Red Mountain
Despite the loss, Red Mountain:
- Finishes with a strong 9–3 season
- Showcases elite defensive talent
- Returns a solid core for 2026
They remain a top contender in Arizona.
How to Watch Arizona Playoff Football
Fans can watch games through:
- NFHS Network (official statewide streaming)
- Local sports broadcasts
- School athletic websites
- Live televised playoff matchups
NFHS allows viewing on:
- iOS & Android
- Roku
- Amazon Fire
- Apple TV
- Web browsers
Conclusion
The Red Mountain vs Liberty Playoff Game 2025 delivered one of the most dramatic momentum swings of the postseason. What began as a tightly contested matchup turned into a showcase of Liberty’s unmatched explosiveness, elite quarterback play, and opportunistic defense.
Red Mountain fought hard, but Liberty proved why they remain the Open Division’s dynasty.
As Liberty marches into the semifinals, the question becomes:
Can anyone stop them from claiming another championship?
Stay tuned—Arizona high school football is just heating up.