Written By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann
Last Saturday, the Indy Pirates defeated the Highland Scotties, 42-22, and now turn their attention toward their final home game of the season against Ellsworth.
"It was a great team win against Highland and now we want to build off this momentum," said Independence Head Football Coach Jason Martin. "Ellsworth will be a challenge for us. We are 0-2 against Iowa schools this year, and we look forward to the challenge of winning two games in a row for the first time this season."
Against Highland, the Pirates had their most prolific offensive performance of the season, notching 474 total yards. After a close first half in which Indy held a narrow 14-13 halftime lead, the Pirates exploded in the third quarter with 21 points to the Scotties' 3.
"It took us a minute to settle in and take what the defense was giving us," said Indy Offensive Coordinator Kurt Landgren. "We were able to isolate some wide receivers in coverage and get the ball to them in space."
Quarterback Greg Jones led the charge for ICC, going 13 for 20 for 241 yards and four touchdowns. Jones also scrambled six times, tallying 41 yards and gaining another touchdown on the ground. Running backs Isaiah Jacobs took 10 carries for 69 yards and JaQuel Fells took two carries for 49 yards.
On the defensive side, the Indy D-Block kept the pressure on Highland all night, accruing four sacks and six tackles for a loss. Key performers were defensive back Kam Lee who led the team with 13 tackles. Behind him was linebacker Devin Owens (six tackles), linebacker Xavier Morrow (five), linebacker Jordan Johnson (five), and defensive end Tim Brown (four).
"I was proud of the defense's physicality and effort," said Indy Defensive Coordinator Steve McCollom. "We're looking forward to the Ellsworth game and another opportunity with these players to perform in front of our home crowd!"
The Ellsworth Panthers enter this Saturday's game in Independence with a 0-7 record, coming close to a win against Highland a couple weeks ago, holding a 27-10 second half lead before letting it slip away late. Last week, the Panthers were edged out by Dodge City in a close 21-14 loss.Ellsworth will likely lean heavily on their passing game. Against Iowa Central earlier this season, the Panthers threw the ball 54 times and have shown no fear this season in taking shots downfield.
"Ellsworth is a talented group looking to get the monkey off their back and get their first win after having some struggles early this season," Coach Landgren said. "They will play hard, so we need to start fast and execute throughout the game to come away with the victory."
Kick-off is set for 3:00PM CT on Saturday, October 22, on Emmot Field at Shulthis Stadium. The game will also be broadcast online and the live-stream can be viewed here: https://www.kjcccsports.net/iccpirates/