LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — Jaylen Henderson connected with Darius Copeland for a 54-yard touchdown with 2:34 remaining as Liberty survived FCS opponent Gardner-Webb 24-23 on Saturday for the Flames' first win since Nov. 1, 2025.

The game was moved from 6 p.m. ET to noon due to “the threat of inclement weather in the area.”

Liberty (1-1) trailed 23-17 after Gardner-Webb scored 20 unanswered points and held the Flames scoreless in the third quarter.

Henderson, who completed 2 of 4 passes for 64 yards, entered late and found Copeland for the go-ahead score. Copeland’s only catch was the 54-yard touchdown.

Deshawn Purdie threw for 122 yards and opened Liberty’s scoring with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Makai Jackson. Jaylon Coleman added a 20-yard touchdown run as the Flames took a 14-3 first-quarter lead.

Gardner-Webb (0-3) answered with Sabin McLaughlin’s 35-yard fumble return for a touchdown and Randy Young’s 65-yard scoring run to take a 20-14 lead.

Young finished with 75 yards on four carries, and Tyler Simpson made field goals of 41, 35 and 27 yards.

Up next

Liberty: Hosts Ball State on Sept. 19.

Gardner Webb: Plays NC Central at home on Sept. 19. ___

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