Grayson Davis: Class: 2027, Powers Olentangy Liberty to First Victory of the High School Football Season
Updated: 3 hours ago
Week 4 final: Olentangy Liberty 27, Olentangy Berlin 17
Olentangy Liberty entered Week 4 still searching for its first victory after navigating one of Central Ohio’s most demanding opening schedules. The Patriots finally broke through Friday night—and senior running back Grayson Davis was at the center of it.
Davis scored two rushing touchdowns as Liberty went on the road and defeated Olentangy Berlin 27–17 on September 11.
For a team whose first three losses came against St. Edward, Glenville and Gahanna Lincoln, this was more than an ordinary early-season win. It rewarded a group that remained competitive through a difficult stretch and gave the Patriots momentum before the start of OCC play.
Davis delivers when Liberty needs him
Davis has been one of Liberty’s most dependable offensive players throughout the season, and his performance against Berlin showed why the coaching staff continues placing the football in his hands.
The 6-foot, 195-pound running back reached the end zone twice, helping Liberty establish an early lead and answer when Berlin threatened to take control. His second touchdown helped silence the home crowd and provided the Patriots with an important scoring response.
A complete rushing total for Davis was not included in the publicly available Week 4 report, so it would be inaccurate to attach an unofficial yardage number to his performance. What was verified—and what mattered most—was his ability to finish drives with two touchdowns in Liberty’s first victory.
Senior kicker Carson O’Morrow also played an important role, converting two field goals and three extra points. Those nine points gave Liberty valuable breathing room in a game that remained competitive into the second half.
The combination of Davis finishing drives and O’Morrow consistently producing points allowed the Patriots to avoid the late-game disappointment they experienced one week earlier.
A difficult schedule has tested Liberty immediately
Liberty’s 1–3 record does not tell the complete story of its season.
The Patriots opened against perennial state contender St. Edward and held a 12–7 lead late in the game after a Davis touchdown. St. Edward responded with the winning score and escaped with a 15–12 victory.
Liberty then hosted defending Division IV state champion Glenville. The Patriots fell 34–13, but Davis remained productive in limited opportunities, gaining 55 yards on six carries—an average of more than nine yards per attempt. He was also used in multiple alignments, carrying the ball on inside and off-tackle runs while taking snaps at receiver.
Week 3 brought another difficult opponent in Gahanna Lincoln. Liberty trailed late but continued fighting and forced overtime. Davis scored a rushing touchdown in the extra period to pull the Patriots within 14–13.
Liberty elected to go for the victory with a two-point conversion, but Gahanna stopped Davis short of the goal line and survived with a 14–13 win.
That left Liberty at 0–3, but the Patriots had been only a few plays away from defeating both St. Edward and Gahanna.
Instead of allowing those close losses to define the season, Liberty responded by going on the road and beating Berlin.
Liberty’s season through four weeks
Week | Opponent | Result | Davis’s verified impact |
1 | St. Edward | L, 15–12 | Scored a rushing touchdown that gave Liberty a late lead |
2 | Glenville | L, 34–13 | 6 carries, 55 yards; used at running back and receiver |
3 | Gahanna Lincoln | L, 14–13, OT | Scored Liberty’s overtime touchdown |
4 | Olentangy Berlin | W, 27–17 | Two rushing touchdowns |
Davis has scored in three of Liberty’s first four games, including three touchdowns over the past two weeks. More importantly, his biggest plays have come in meaningful moments.
More than a traditional running back
Davis is officially listed as a running back and receiver, but his value comes from his versatility.
He can run inside, attack the edge, line up in the slot and contribute as a receiver. He has also played in the secondary and returned punts during his Liberty career. That flexibility gives the Patriots multiple ways to involve him without repeatedly presenting the same offensive look.
Davis is not simply a speed back who needs open space. He has demonstrated the balance and toughness to run through contact, the lateral movement to make defenders miss and the acceleration to turn a crease into a significant gain.
Prep Redzone’s evaluation of Davis highlighted his change-of-direction ability, above-average speed and ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver. Those qualities have been visible again during his senior season, particularly when Liberty has needed a player to produce against high-level competition.
Davis finds his next-level fit at Columbia
Davis has already committed to Columbia University, where he will have the opportunity to compete in Division I football while receiving an Ivy League education.
Columbia was not his only high-academic opportunity. Davis also reported offers from Yale, Pennsylvania, Dartmouth and Butler.
His decision reflects an important recruiting lesson for high school athletes. The best opportunity is not always based on the largest stadium, the most recognizable conference or the loudest social-media announcement. Davis considered academics, football, coaching relationships, culture and long-term fit before selecting Columbia.
He also earned the opportunity through more than football. Davis is a multi-sport athlete who has competed in baseball and track, adding further evidence of his coordination, speed and overall athletic ability.
After earning second-team All-OCC recognition in 2025, Davis entered his senior season with a college commitment secured—but his performance shows that he is still working to finish his high school career the right way.
The Patriots now have something to build on
Liberty’s record remains 1–3, but the context matters.
The Patriots have faced four opponents with significant postseason expectations. They held late leads against St. Edward and Gahanna, then defeated a Berlin program that entered Week 4 with a winning record.
The biggest improvement Friday was Liberty’s ability to complete the job. The Patriots produced points in multiple ways, leaned on Davis in important situations and protected their lead after halftime.
There is still work ahead. Liberty will need greater offensive consistency and must avoid falling behind early against strong opponents. But the Week 4 victory demonstrated that the Patriots are capable of responding when a game becomes physical and competitive.
Another Olentangy matchup comes next
Liberty will travel to face Olentangy High School on Friday, September 18.
That rivalry matchup offers the Patriots a chance to turn one meaningful victory into genuine momentum. It also gives Davis another opportunity to demonstrate his complete skill set against a familiar opponent.
Liberty’s first month was difficult, but it may also have prepared the Patriots for the challenges ahead. After three weeks of coming close, Davis and his teammates finally earned the result they had been fighting for.
Stay tuned for more updates regards Olentangy Liberty Football and Grayson Davis!
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