Written By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann
The Independence Pirates defeated rival Coffeyville Red Ravens, 18-5, moving to 1-0 in the Jayhawk Conference and earning back bragging rights in Montgomery County.
At Veterans Memorial Stadium in Coffeyville, the Pirates got on the board first with a 43-yard field goal by Wilson Yee. The Red Ravens then narrowed the lead with a defensive safety late in the first quarter. In the waning seconds of the second quarter, a long field goal of their own gave CCC a 5-3 lead at the half.
The defensive-minded first half carried over into the second for the Pirates, as they would not give up another point for the remainder of the game. The Red Ravens would not score an offensive touchdown for the entirety of the contest, while the Pirates’ defense would get on the scoreboard themselves with a safety late in the fourth quarter.
“Our defense played fast, physical, and disciplined football,” said Indy Pirates Defensive Coordinator Steve McCollom.
The ICC offense gained momentum in the second half, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter. A seven-play, 87-yard drive ended with a touchdown run by Antonio Barber. Minutes later, that was followed up with a 97-yard touchdown strike from quarterback CJ Dixon to receiver Reggie Akles.
At the conclusion of the contest, the Pirates’ offense accrued 370 total yards to the Ravens’ 228. The offensive attack from Indy stayed balanced all night as well, with 198 yards on the ground and 172 through the air.
“We were able to control the clock which is key against a great team like Coffeyville that does the same,” said Indy Offensive Coordinator Kurt Landgren. “We still need to execute better, but we were proud how the kids responded to the adversity."
Running backs JaQuel Fells and Isaiah Jacobs led the rushing attack, finishing with 99 and 66 yards respectively.
“Fells and Jacobs shouldered the load,” Landgren commented. “And we got a huge lift from Reggie Akles on the long touchdown throw."
The Indy Pirates now turn their attention to the Butler Grizzlies, who stand at 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Grizzlies have been prolific on offense, posting final scores of 35, 45, and 49 in their first three outings. Their lone loss was a 50-49 finish to perennial national title contender Snow College in overtime.
The Pirates defense prepares for a tough challenge in the Saturday night showdown in Independence versus a high-octane Grizzlies squad.
“Butler has a strong tradition and are scoring a lot of points,” Coach McCollom said. “We are looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd.”
For the Indy offense, Butler will likely attempt to make the game a shoot-out, while showing some unconventional looks on the defensive side.
“They’re a talented group and they play extremely hard,” said Coach Landgren. “They do something coverage-wise that is unique and different, which is a challenge. It's going to take a big effort from us on offense to win this game. As always, it comes down to execution."
Kick-off is set for 7:00PM CT Saturday night on Emmot Field at Shulthis Stadium in Independence.
Tickets may be purchased online here: https://independence.prestosports.com/tickets2
The game will also be live-streamed here: https://www.kjcccsports.net/iccpirates/?B=412886