Photos Courtesy of Nick Dailey (@IDRSports)

Written By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann

The Independence Pirates football team returned to conference play with another commanding victory, obliterating the Fort Scott Greyhounds, 56-6. The stat sheet was lopsided in nearly all categories, as the Pirates rolled up 520 offensive yards and 26 first downs. Meanwhile, the defense held the Greyhounds to only nine first downs on 34 total offensive yards. 

With the score 49-0 in the Pirates' favor at halftime, the second half proved uneventful as Indy edged out Fort Scott, 7-6. 

"We played a great first half of football, but we still haven't played a complete game," Independence Head Football Coach Jason Martin said. "We were able to get our freshmen players some experience and that will help us in the future." 

Pirates' quarterback RJ Walker notched another tremendous performance, completing 14 of 28 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns. His top target through the air was wide receiver Tavis Maloy who grabbed five receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. Receivers Deontay Wilson and Denzil Alleyne each had two catches for 52 and 46 yards, respectively. Wilson also had a touchdown. 

A bevy of running backs took carries with Hunter Trail leading all rushers with 64 yards and a score on seven carries. Jared Martino found the end zone twice on five carries, accruing 52 total yards and averaging more than 10 yards per touch. ICC's quarterback, Walker, also earned a touchdown on the ground with a nine-yard dash in the second quarter. 

Independence was formidable on the defensive end as well, forcing four fumbles and recovering three. Linebacker Kuma Scanlan was the biggest standout for the Pirates, creating two of those fumbles, recovering one, and snatching an interception. Linebacker James Djonkam and defensive tackle Jeffrey M'ba led all tacklers with six each. M'ba also took a fumble recovery 45 yards for a touchdown. 

In all, the Pirates recorded 18 tackles for a loss, setting the Greyhounds back 82 yards. 

Indy now hits the road, as they turn their attention to Garden City. The showdown between the Pirates and the Broncbusters will showcase two nationally-ranked NJCAA Top 10 teams, as Garden City holds a No. 3 ranking, while Indy sits at No. 6. 

ICC will enter the contest at 3-0, and Garden City at 2-0. Their one common opponent – Fort Scott – was defeated by the Broncbusters a week prior, 76-24. 

"In order to win against Garden City, we need to win four quarters of football," said Coach Martin. "It's hard to win any game on the road in the Jayhawk Conference. We will learn a lot about our team this weekend." 

Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00PM CT at Broncbuster Stadium in Garden City. The live stream will be available here: https://www.kjcccsports.net/ICCPirates/