It’s the little things. Play after play, day after day, and game after game. It’s the little things that Liberty coach Steve Valach hopes will lead the Patriots to big things.

“We’re really focused on attention to detail,” Valach said. “You have this group that’s had success for two years and I’d really like to see that senior group finish with success.”

A year after losing to Bellevue 23-17 in the 3A state title game, what would be a successful finish?

“If we give all we’ve got, give our best effort,” Valach said. “I think all the kids would be happy with that. But a state title is certainly one of our goals.”

The Patriots have the personnel. The team is led by senior stars Trey Wheeler, Chandler Jenkins and Jake Bainton. Wheeler, who’s been starting since his sophomore season, has nearly done it all on the field. He clearly grew into the Patriots’ offense last year and passed for 31 touchdowns.

“Having been a star since you’re a sophomore, it’s a tough thing to negotiate,” Valach said. “When you’re a senior, you have a difference perspective. He’s really developed into a great leader.”

Jenkins is a dangerous dual-threat running back on offense. He rushed for 14 touchdowns and caught eight more last season.

Bainton is a big hitter at safety and a big target at receiver. He caught 12 touchdown passes last season and turned the momentum countless times with his timely plays and emotional intensity.

The biggest question for Liberty is the offensive line. The only starter back is Jalen Robinson, who started at guard last season. That may not be as dire as it sounds.

The team welcomes back two players who suffered serious injuries last season but were talented enough to start. Anthony Olobia and Drez Henfield both missed all or most of last season with knee injuries. The two are healthy and will start both ways this year.

Also stepping in will be sophomore Kevin Ahrens, plus seniors Brandon Ryberg and Craig Werre, who both played last year.

“Anybody who knows football knows that it begins and ends with the offensive line,” Valach said. “We have good players, just not really battle-tested.”

Josh Gordon will play a big role in the passing game this season. The junior is very athletic, he took second in the long jump at the 3A state track and field meet in the spring. He also has a sense of the big moment. Gordon’s first varsity catch was a touchdown in the fourth quarter of last year’s state playoff game against O’Dea.

Devin Bennett, Jacob Daniels, Jay Chakravarty and Tei Staladi will be keys on both offense and defense.

Staladi will miss the first three games of the season because of academic reasons.

The Patriots’ X-factor is experience with adversity. The team’s trip through the state playoffs last season included: a comeback from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit in the state playoffs last season; a triple-overtime win, and a win on a field goal with one second left on the clock. This team will be hard to rattle, which is good because it has an extremely difficult schedule.

Liberty will get tested right away as the team opens with defending 4A state champion Skyline at home Friday. Then the team faces another KingCo 4A powerhouse in Issaquah Sept. 10.

Part of the challenge of coaching a high school team coming off a great season is walking the fine line between celebrating success and getting comfortable.

“I want our kids to be very cognizant of the successful legacy we have,” Valach said. “But in no way should they feel entitled just because they played for a state title the year before.”

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