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Independence football’s Twitter account said it best: “Well folks… not how we wanted to start the season.”
Powerful Oakland went to Independence and took the wind out of the Eagles by a 46-7 count in the season opener for both teams on Friday.
Independence receiver T.J. Sheffield had 31 yards rushing and a touchdown. But the Eagles’ high-powered passing game spend the night mostly grounded. Quarterback Nathan Cisco was just 6 of 18 for 59 yards and two interceptions.
Sheffield and receiver Isaiah Collier (three catches, 36 yards) form one of the area’s best receiving duos. However, they were neutralized by an Oakland defense featuring Woodi Washington, one of the country’s best corners. Sheffield had Independence’s three other catches, but they went for just 26 yards.
Oakland’s Justin Jefferson ran 80 yards for the game’s first points, the point-after giving the Patriots a 7-0 advantage in the first quarter.
That lead stood at 20-7 at the end of the quarter.
There’s no shame in losing to what many consider the state’s best team, but Independence had hoped for better on Friday. Defense was also an issue for the Eagles last year, as they gave up over 30 points five times in a 6-6 season.
Independence stays home to face 1-0 Summit next Friday.
