Independence One Win Away From Perfection
For the first time since 2007, Independence will play in the Blue Cross Bowl. The Eagles will look to cap a perfect season against the Sevier County Smoky Bears. Independence has been one of the state’s most dominant teams, sitting at 14-0 and just outside the top 25 in some national high school rankings. Sevier County enters the Blue Cross Bowl at 12-2 on the season.
Potent Offense Powers Eagles
This season, Independence has averaged a staggering 462 yards and 42 points per game. Coach Scott Blade’s team has been able to dominate teams both on the ground and through the air. Eagle quarterback Andrew Bunch has been one of the state’s most productive players, despite missing 3 games this season. Bunch has completed nearly 68% of his passes for more than 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns. The favorite target for Bunch this season has been Mr. Football runner-up Nate Johnson, who has caught 83 passes for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns. Beyond Johnson, Daniel Wright and Seth Huner have combined for 92 catches, 1,328 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Wright and Bunch have been able to pace the Eagles ground game, with Wright running for 1,160 yards and 15 touchdowns and Bunch rushing for 443 yards and 9 touchdowns this season.
The Eagles offense will look to take advantage of a Smoky Bear defense that has struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard. Sevier County has given up nearly 20 points per game against far less-potent East Tennessee offenses.
Independence Defense Prepares For Offensively-Minded Smoky Bears
With all the points and offensive firepower that Independence has shown this season, the Eagle defense has been a force this year. Independence has allowed 11 points per game this year, with only Hillsboro reaching 20 points this year. Hunter Dupree and Jacob Stoney have led the Eagles with 109 and 92 tackles, respectively. Independence’s defensive success has been built on creating havoc in the backfield, with 44 sacks, 92 hurries, and 123 tackles for loss. Chris Beavers and David Demke have been disruptive up front, with the two combining for 25 sacks on the year. The Eagles pressure has forced 33 turnovers this season, led by Cole Huner’s 7 interceptions.
Across from the Eagles, Sevier County has put up points all season. The Smoky Bears have averaged 37.5 points per game and have not scored fewer than 26 points this year. Sevier County is led by athlete Dorian Banks, the 3-star recruit and former UT commit.
Everything seems to be lining up for Independence to bring home their first Blue Cross Bowl victory. The Eagles have dominated their games this season and have talent all over the field. Beyond the talent Independence has on the field, the senior-laden Eagles have the leadership and depth to do what no other Independence team has been able to do. Independence brings in a 3,000 yard passer, a 1,500 yard receiver, and a 1,000 yard rusher against a team that has been unable to consistently shut down opponents’ offenses. Independence brought Coach Scott Blade in to do just this for the Eagles. The Blue Cross Bowl will likely end much better for Independence than their previous trip in 2007.
