By: David Wells
Independence quarterback Caleb Hollis completed 18 of 28 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-6 season-opening victory at Kenwood Friday.
Hollis also had a 4-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter of a game that the Eagles also dominated on defense.
First year Independence coach Scott Blade said that while Hollis and a few other standout players played especially well, the team still has some kinks to work out.
“Schematically, we’re still making a lot of mistakes,” he said. “We only have three returning starters from last year, there’s times I’m looking at five sophomores. We’ve got a lot of young guys playing. We were fortunate to get the nice win last night.”
Independence scored early in the second quarter on a 1-yard Vic Wharton run. With two minutes left in the half, Wharton caught a 21-yard pass from Hollis.
Kenwood scored its lone touchdown late in the third quarter but missed the ensuing point after attempt. After extending the lead 21-6, Hollis threw another touchdown pass to Wharton, this time for 34 yards.
The Independence defense held Kenwood’s passing offense to 28 yards and its total offense to 92 yards while forcing two interceptions.
Independence plays its first game at home against Marshall Co on Friday at 7 p.m.
