Liberty took an early lead, but soon fell behind and lost 23-13 to Issaquah in a non-league game at Issaquah Friday night.

It was the second straight game against a tough, 4A opponent for the Patriots (0-2).

“You get a truer reflection of yourself,” said Liberty coach Steve Valach. “If you’re not exposed sometimes you don’t know what you need to work on. So I think playing two good teams, and losing two games, if you handle it right, it can be a very positive thing.”

Liberty took an early lead on its first drive thanks to nifty running by Hamilton Noel. Noel converted a long first down early in the drive with a 40-yard scamper, then pushed up the middle to score from three yards out.

The Patriots defense stopped the Eagles on the ensuing drive, but Liberty mishandled the punt and Issaquah got the ball back. The Eagles capitalized with a field goal.

Issaquah took the lead with a quick, two-play drive early in the second. The Eagles connected on a 45-yard touchdown to go up 10-7.

Issaquah added two more scores in the second and led 23-7 and the half.

The Eagles marched on a seven-minute drive in the third that ended when Liberty’s Josh Gordon made a diving play to break up a pass. Issaquah turned the ball over on downs.

Liberty scored with 10 minutes left in the fourth when quarterback Jordan West found Tynan Gilmore in the back corner of the end zone from seven yards out to pull the Patriots closer, 23-13.

Valach likes what he’s seeing from his inexperienced team in its difficult non-league schedule.

“I think we can be good,” Valach said. “I think we played much better this week.”

The Patriots face Sammamish in the home opener Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.

Check back at RentonReporter.com for a photo slideshow from this game.