Wes McKenzie doesn’t take anything about this football season for granted. With another productive game last week, the Liberty senior vaulted to seventh in state history in career receiving yards and receptions. He has 875 receiving yards this season, bringing his career total to 2,582 yards on 148 catches.

McKenzie, who began playing football to stay in shape for basketball, has found another way to stand out in a Lancers uniform.

“I’ve always been such a basketball guy and I didn’t know I had anything for football,” he said. “But this has been so great after going 0-10 my sophomore year. At that point, I hated going to practice and even the games. But this year, we have fun and get the job done.”

Liberty finished the regular season with a school-best 9-1 record and was undefeated in the Class 4A Foothills Conference. The sixth-seeded Lancers will play host to No. 11 Longmont on Saturday for a chance to qualify for the 4A state quarterfinals.

QUICK HITS

Which NFL receiver do you most resemble?Chad Ochocinco — I love his confidence. You have to feel like you can go up against any (defensive back) and win.

What kind of pass is the toughest to catch?Slants — it’s hard coming across the middle and there are usually some big linebackers in there waiting for you.

What do you think of the Bowl Championship Series in college football?I don’t like it very much. I definitely think there should be a playoff because so many teams that are in tough conferences lose out every year.

Do you think the stereotypes about receivers can be true?They can be. Maybe at higher levels, but in high school we’re not playing for money or anything. We just want to hang out with friends and win somefootball games.   

Who is your least favorite actor?Johnny Depp. He always plays creepy roles and I don’t like that everyone thinks he’s hot.

Liberty football player Wes McKenzie is the Gazette’s Athlete of the Week for Monday, November 9, 2009. Mark Reis, The Gazette Photo by MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE

Mark Reis