With an enormous amount of hype, pressure, and raised expectations surrounding the 2017 Independence Community College football team, the Pirates' tough loss on Saturday night could be an eye-opener for the program. Ranked number seventeen in a preseason NJCAA poll, ICC hosted number twelve-ranked Iowa Western, and the Reavers were not good guests as they spoiled the home opener for Independence.
Iowa Western received the opening kickoff, the proceeded to march down the field to score on their first possession to go up 7-0. The visitors continued to build on that early momentum, jumping out to an early 21-0 lead after just one quarter.
Independence tried to steal some of that momentum back early in the second quarter, going for it on fourth down but coming up short. Iowa Western then rattled off two straight scores to go up 35-0. ICC got its first flash of brilliance immediately after the Reaver touchdown, as return man Carlos Thompson took the ensuing kickoff to the house for six points.
Indy gave up one more score before the half, heading into the locker room down 42-7. The visitors did not let their foot off the gas in the second half, but ICC did make some adjustments at the half and was able to get the ball moving through the air in the second half. The Pirates added a couple of touchdowns, one passing and one rushing, but the Reavers piled it on and ended the game with a final score of 70-21.
Independence (0-1) will look to shake off the loss and get back to work this week in order to get ready for Ft Scott on the road next Saturday.
Article courtesy of Independence Daily Reporter
Nick Dailey
Sports Editor
https://indydailyreporter.com/Content/Sports/Area-Sports/39/96