Photos Courtesy of Nick Dailey (@IDRSports)

Written By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann

The Independence Pirates dominated from start to finish against McDougle Technical Institute, thrashing the Bison, 69-0.

McDougle never stood a chance, as turnovers plagued the Bison early and set up two short drives for the Pirates. Indy running back Pat Bowen took a twenty-yard run into the end zone on a one-play, twenty-second drive toward the beginning of the first quarter.

That was followed up about a minute later, when Indy completed a two-play, twenty-four second drive that ended with a 23-yard touchdown run again by Bowen.

A pair of field goals by kicker Brandon Gielow, a score from a defensive safety, and a subsequent touchdown run by Jared Martino capped off the first quarter, as the Pirates took a 29-0 lead and never looked back.

"Great team win," said Indy Pirates Head Football Coach Jason Martin. "We have a next-play mindset in everything that we do."

For the entire game, McDougle was held to only 43 total yards by a suffocating Pirates defense. Defensive lineman Malachi Bailey led the team with five tackles, while defensive back Carlin Vigers followed right behind him with 4. Linebacker Kuma Scanlan and defensive back Cervontes White both snatched interceptions and returned them for 47 and 51 yards, respectively, en route to shutting out the Bison.

The Indy Pirates now return to conference play and will host Fort Scott Community College on Saturday.

Coach Martin wants his squad to keep things simple and in perspective as the Pirates look to start the season with a 3-0 record. "As long as we think about us and not them, we will continue to play well."

Kick-off time has been changed to 11:00AM CT at Emmot Field. Tickets are available online and at the gate.

Online tickets may be purchased here: CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW