Late Henderson-to-Copeland Touchdown Lifts Liberty Past Gardner-Webb, 24–23

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Liberty's early lead was gone, and the Flames were running out of time when Jaylen Henderson and Darius Copeland delivered the decisive play of Saturday's home opener.

Henderson found Copeland for a 54-yard touchdown with 2:34 remaining at Williams Stadium. Chase Reeves added the extra point, giving Liberty a 24–23 victory over Gardner-Webb and its first win of the season.

The Flames improved to 1–1. Gardner-Webb fell to 0–3 after taking a six-point lead into the fourth quarter.

Liberty opened with two quick touchdowns. Deshawn Purdie connected with Makai Jackson for a 65-yard score, and Jaylon Coleman followed with a 20-yard touchdown run to make it 14–3. Brenton Williams' sack and Lorenzo Payne's fumble recovery set up Coleman's score.

Gardner-Webb answered in the second quarter. Sabin McLaughlin returned a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown, and Randy Young broke free for a 65-yard scoring run. Reeves' 30-yard field goal as the half ended left Liberty trailing 20–17.

Tyler Simpson's third field goal, from 27 yards, extended the visitors' lead to 23–17 late in the third quarter. Liberty held Gardner-Webb scoreless in the fourth, leaving room for Henderson's late touchdown pass to change the result.

The winning possession covered 68 yards in five plays. Gardner-Webb's final drive ended on downs, allowing the Flames to finish out the one-point win.

Liberty remains at home next Saturday, Sept. 19, against Ball State. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.

Photos: Jackson Reid / The NSMT

Photos from Williams Stadium

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.

Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb at Williams Stadium on September 12, 2026. Photo: Jackson Reid / The NSMT.