The Independence Patriots will head out to square off against the Marcos de Niza Padres at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Independence has given up an average of 45.5 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Independence was handed a 39-point loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Thursday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 42-39 victory over Glendale. The high-scoring effort was just what the Patriots needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
Thomas Kpakra continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 163 yards and a pair of TDs on only 15 carries. His longest rush was for an incredible 80 yards. Daniel Rodriguez was in the mix as well, providing Independence with two scores.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Independence was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 228 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Glendale only rushed for 28.
Independence didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The team can thank two different players for their defensive prowess: Malik Johnson and Kesean Wright, who each picked up one interception apiece. Anthony Perdomo was another major factor on D, picking up 2.5 sacks and making seven total tackles (5.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, you can't lose the game if you win every quarter, and that was precisely Marcos de Niza's strategy against Moon Valley on Friday. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that the Padres blew the Rockets out of the water with a 49-8 final score. Considering the Padres have won three contests by more than 22 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Independence better keep an eye on Jaeden Lott. He was instrumental in Marcos de Niza's win, throwing for 225 yards and four touchdowns on only 18 passes, while also rushing for 37 yards.
One reason for the win was Marcos de Niza's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for seven sacks. The team can thank two different players for their defensive prowess: Brian Irick and Elian Pichardo, who each picked up two sacks apiece. Another thorn in Moon Valley's side was Irick, who picked up two sacks and made ten total tackles (3.0 for loss).
Marcos de Niza's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-1. Those road victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 13.8 points on average over those games. As for Independence, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-5.
