Written By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann

The unusual 2021 spring season concluded with an appropriately unusual ending as the Indy Pirates defeated the Coffeyville Red Ravens, 19-16.

The rivalry win established Independence as the best team in Montgomery County this season, also making the Pirates the victors of four of the last five meetings between the schools.

After holding a lead the entire game, Indy abruptly found themselves behind 12-16 after a quarterback sack led to a fumble and subsequent scoop and score by the Red Ravens defense. With less than six minutes left in the fourth quarter and their starting quarterback out of the game, #DreamU suddenly had to respond with their backs against the wall.

Indy running back Pat Bowen, who had been held to modest gains rushing for much of the game, swiftly burst free after a handoff from backup quarterback Tyriq Starks. The 57-yard scamper by Bowen capped off a 75-yard touchdown drive that lasted less than a minute and re-established the Pirates' lead.

In the closing seconds of the game, with time running out and no timeouts, the Red Raven offense scrambled for a field goal attempt, having moved into Pirate territory.

However, though the scoreboard clock had stopped with seconds still remaining, time seemed to have run out. The referees blew their whistles and conferred for several minutes to determine the game's outcome. After a lengthy discussion, the referees announced that the game had indeed ended, declaring the #DreamU Pirates triumphant.

Quarterback Brock Domann finished the day with 354 yards through the air, going 23 for 31, with one touchdown. Domann spread the ball to a bevy of receivers including Malik Mullins who made 7 grabs for 114 yards. Fellow receivers Deontay Wilson had 5 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, while Willie Brantley also had 5 catches for 78 yards.

Bowen finished his performance on the ground with 111 yards on 21 carries.

On the defensive side, the Indy D-Block was led by Isaiah Major who totaled 11 tackles. Other tackling leaders were Kuma Scanlan with 8, Car'lin Vigers with 7, Tra Thomas with 6, and Nadame Tucker with 5.

"Independence is a place I will never forget," Tucker said, following the game. "This place is a part of who I am. I am a product of DreamU."

With the win, the Indy football team finished the 2021 spring season with a 5-2 overall record, having played only conference games this season.

Indy Pirates football will resume September 2 for the 2021 fall season against Butler.