GAME PREVIEW: Independence and Smyrna Clash in Battle of Unbeatens

Independence v Smyrna Preview

 

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By SAM McGAW

Independence (3-0) at Smyrna (3-0), 7 p.m. Friday

The Independence Eagles have been tested this season, but they expect their biggest challenge Friday night.

Indy will put its 18-game win streak on the line when it clashes with the Smyrna Bulldogs on the road.

Smyrna, which defeated Coffee County 56-10 last week, has outscored its opponents 159-50 in three games this fall.

“I think our first two games (against Brentwood and Centennial) prepared us better for a game like this,” Independence head coach Scott Blade said. “We know we’re going to see a well-coached team and an experienced team with terrific athletes.”

Independence quarterback Brandon Hines and his arsenal of weapons need to fire on all cylinders to overcome Smyrna’s stout defense.

Hines has passed for 615 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

Running back Troy Henderson has emerged as one of the team’s top playmakers. The junior has 292 rushing yards, 84 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Independence RB Troy Henderson
Independence running back Troy Henderson (Photo by Andy Collignon)

Landon Guidry (12 rec., 256 yds, 2 TDs), Kendrell Scurry (10 rec., 118 yds, 1 TD) and Tj Sheffield (113 rec. yds, 69 rush yds, 2 TDs) headline the receiving corps.

Protecting the football will be a major focus for the Eagles against Smyrna’s opportunistic defense.

The unit has already has six interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

“They fly to the ball really well,” Blade said. “They’re tenacious, they get after the ball carrier and they get after the quarterback really well. Then, they have cornerbacks in the secondary that can make the throwing lane windows really small. They’re probably the best team we’ve played up to this point, and we’re expecting a heck of a matchup.”

Smyrna’s offense is spearheaded by senior quarterback John Turner.

The Middle Tennessee State commit has completed 25 of 31 passes for 607 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

“He has experience in running the offense,” Blade said. “He’s mature and he dishes the ball off really well. He gives those receivers a chance to make big plays.”

Running back Casey Perkins complements Turner in the backfield.

Perkins has rushed for 402 yards and seven touchdowns on 41 carries. He’s also caught five passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

“He’s tough to bring down,” Blade said. “He’s fast, he’s quick and he has really strong legs. We know we’re in for a battle in both facets.”

Sam McGaw is sports editor of Home Page Media Group. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SamMcGawSports.

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