Written By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann

The Independence Pirates decimated the Fort Scott Greyhounds, 63-2, in an emphatic victory to kick off the Jayhawk Conference Playoffs on Sunday. The Pirates entered the postseason as the No. 2 seed in the Jayhawk Conference tournament and, with the win, move up to a No. 5 NJCAA national ranking. The ranking puts the Pirates back in the National Championship picture, with the top 4 teams in the country receiving an invitation.

"Great team victory on Sunday," Indy Pirates Head Football Coach Jason Martin said. "The crowd provided energy that got us going in the first half. I hope we have this big of a turnout with more energy this coming weekend." 

The victory sets up a conference semi-final showdown with the defending National Champions, Hutchinson Blue Dragons. The Pirates defeated Hutch on the road earlier this season in a thriller that came down to the final seconds. 

"Hutch is the best two-loss team in the nation," Coach Martin said. "We have to bring our 'A' game for at least 60 minutes." 

Game time is set for this Sunday, November 14, at 1:00PM CT on Emmot Field at Shulthis Stadium. The winner will play in the Jayhawk Conference Championship game against the winner of Garden City and Butler. Pre-sale ticket and livestream information is available at IndyPirates.com.