Press Conference: Gardner-Webb

As part of the team's preparations for their home opener against Gardner-Webb on Saturday, Liberty Head Football Coach Jamey Chadwell met with the media on Tuesday.

During the media session, Chadwell provided his final thoughts on Liberty's season-opening game at James Madison, plus looked ahead to this weekend's game against Gardner-Webb.

After Chadwell's weekly presser, tight end LaKelsey Johnson, Jr. and defensive lineman Nathan Pirolli addressed the media from the Media Room inside the Liberty Football Center.

Both teams are looking to bounce back from tight road losses a week ago. The Flames dropped their season opener, 20-13, at James Madison, while the Runnin' Bulldogs fell, 17-13, at Wofford. Liberty has now lost five straight contests dating back to 2025, with all five setbacks coming by seven points or fewer.

Gardner-Webb will become the most frequently played opponent in Liberty program history on Saturday. It will mark the 26th gridiron matchup in a series which dates back to 1976. Liberty owns a 15-9-1 advantage all-time.

Liberty has won six straight home openers at Williams Stadium, and the Flames are 10-0 against FCS opponents since joining the FBS ranks in 2018.

Jamey Chadwell is 25-14 at Liberty and owns a 56-20 coaching record dating back to the start of 2020. His next victory will be No. 125 of his 17-year head coaching career.

Wake Forest transfer Deshawn Purdie made the start at quarterback in his Liberty debut at James Madison. He completed 17-of-27 for 230 yards and a score. Purdie's first collegiate start (for Charlotte) came against Gardner-Webb on Sept. 14, 2024.

After James Madison had ranked No. 15 nationally for total offense a year ago, a new-look Liberty defense limited the Dukes to 291 total yards of offense for the contest.

Schedule

Players Mentioned

LaKelsey Johnson, Jr.

Nathan Pirolli

Deshawn Purdie

Main Links

Men’s Sports

Women’s Sports

About