Independence hasn't had much luck against Butler recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Independence Patriots will square off against the Butler Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Independence's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points in their last four games.
Independence's defense heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Rocky River 44-0. Considering the Patriots have won seven contests by more than 20 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Jayden Jones continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 206 yards and four touchdowns on only 13 carries, while also picking up 62 receiving yards and a touchdown. His longest rush was for an impressive 67 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Another player making a difference was Justin Little, who threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns on only 12 passes.
Independence wouldn't let Rocky River keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Independence can thank Tre'Jaon Garnes and Camden Martin for forcing both of them. Garnes also set a new season high mark in total tackles with nine.
Independence was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 257 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 206 rushing yards in nine consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, after a string of four wins, Butler's good fortune finally ran out last Friday. They lost 34-14 to Charlotte Catholic. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Bulldogs have suffered since August 23rd.
The match pitted two dominant backs against one another in Jayden Williams and Jake Anderson. Anderson had a great game and gained 128 total yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Williams was balling out in the loss, picking up 73 receiving yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Independence pushed their record up to 8-1 with the victory, which was their seventh straight on the road. As for Butler, they now have a losing record at 4-5.
Friday's game might be decided in the on the ground. Independence has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 278.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Butler struggles in that department as they've been averaging 185.9. It's looking like Friday's matchup might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Independence skirted past Butler 10-7 in their previous meeting back in November of 2023. Will Independence repeat their success, or does Butler have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
