The Pirates picked up a statement win on Saturday night, knocking off defending NJCAA National Champion Garden City Community College at home.  ICC built a two score lead in the second half before letting the visitors back into the game, but the team made plays when needed and held on for the 27-23 victory.

GCCC drew first blood, taking an early 7-0 lead.  The Pirates stopped the Broncbusters on a big fourth down play to get the ball back, then scored on a pass from Malik Henry to Calvin Jackson to tie the game at 7-7.  

Independence's bruising back Jamal Scott then got to work, ripping off a 68-yard touchdown run to put the team up 14-7 with 2:35 to go in the first quarter.  The visitors tied it up in the second, and the teams went into the locker room knotted at 14-14.  

Indy's defense stepped it up after halftime, and the home team took the lead for good on Henry's second TD pass of the game to Jackson, giving ICC a 21-14 advantage.  After converting a big fourth-down play to end the third quarter, Jamal Scott took the handoff and went practically untouched en route to his second score on the night and a 27-14 lead.  

Garden City showed why they were defending champs by not simply laying down, scoring on a 70-yard pass play with just over three minutes in regulation to bring the score to 27-21.  The visitors forced a late ICC punt, but the Pirates took a knee in the endzone and gave GCCC a safety to avoid the possibility of a blocked punt or a big return.  That brought the lead to 27-23, and Indy was able to hold on for the win.  ICC (2-1) has a bye next week before returning to action at Iowa Central in Manson, IA on September 23.

Article courtesy of Independence Daily Reporter 

Nick Dailey
Sports Editor

https://indydailyreporter.com/Content/Sports/Area-Sports/39/96