Cross-county football rivalries bring out the crowds and can be a lot of fun, but they are always hard fought wins and a tough loss for someone.
The Independence Wildcats played hard and fast with the Strayhorn Mustangs Friday night and won 40-6.
The Mustangs got behind early and while they didn’t give up they never caught up to with a blazing Wildcat offense.
The game started with Wildcat Chantz Gardner taking the opening kickoff and racing for a touchdown.
He would score three more, including a two more punt returns, one for more than 80 yards in the third quarter. The PAT by Devin Martin was good and Martin went on to make four more.
The Mustangs carried the ball to the Independence 12 on the next series and attempted a field goal.
Independence then marched 80 yards in seven plays with freshman Marquiez Goodman running left for 47 yards and the score.
The Wildcats seemed to do well with the sweep or when they stretched out the play.
Strayhorn’s punted on their next series and it was returned by Gardner who ran left and turned on impressive speed when he got into the open field.
Independence led 20-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Gardner scored from the 6 and Javion Harrell scored on a 15 yard run off left tackle in the second quarter and the Wildcats held a 33-0 lead at the half.
Gardner returned a punt in the third to send the score to 40-0.
Strayhorn got on the scoreboard in the fourth with a 62 yard drive with the Mustang’s senior running back Jerrick Partee running in up the middle for a 2-yard TD. The PAT missed.
Strayhorn (2-3) heads to Coffeeville (0-5) Friday night.
Independence (3-2) hosts Holly Springs (0-5).
