Independence Prepares For Invading Commandos
Coming off a first round destruction of Cane Ridge, the undefeated Independence Eagles host the Hendersonville Commandos. The Commandos come into the game at 10-1, having finished second in Region 6-5A behind Hillsboro. Hendersonville topped Shelbyville Central in the first round of the playoffs 43-20.
High-Flying Eagles Offense Controls The Skies
One constant for Independence this season has been a potent offense. The Eagles have averaged nearly 43 points per game this season, with 272 yards through the air and another 190 yards on the ground. Independence was able to keep up this torrid pace with starting quarterback Andrew Bunch missing 4 games this year. Despite missing time, Bunch has thrown for more than 2,000 yards and is averaging 295 yards per game, completing 65% of his passes, and having a 26-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Eagles leading receiver has been Mr. Football semi-finalist Nate Johnson, who has caught 55 passes for 1,134 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season. Johnson has been complimented by Seth Huner, with 38 catches, 565 yards, and 7 touchdowns, and Daniel Wright, who has added 28 catches, 419 yards, and 4 touchdowns receiving.
While the Eagles have had a great deal of success through the air, their ground game has packed a punch as well. Independence is led on the ground by Daniel Wright. Wright has carried the ball 101 times for 1,051 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Eagles’ next two leading rushers are Adam Swayze, Independence’s backup quarterback, and Andrew Bunch. Swayze, more of the running threat at quarterback, has run for 277 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Bunch has run for 263 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The Commando defense has been dominant since their loss to Hillsboro. In the six games since their loss, Hendersonville’s defense has allowed fewer than 10 points per game against predominantly run-heavy teams. How Scott Blade’s team chooses to attack this defense is the big question mark going into this week’s matchup.
Unsung Defense Dominates Foes
While the Independence offense has gotten the headlines this season, the Eagles defense has been smothering. The Eagles are allowing 10 points per game, with no opponent reaching 17 points since Brentwood in the opening week of the season. When the Independence offense has been unable to get their usual traction, the defense has elevated their game, as was the case in Independence’s 21-7 victory over 6A Smyrna. The Eagles have had their defensive success in forcing turnovers, a total of 28 on the season. Juniors Cole Huner and Hunter Dupree have combined for 9 interceptions on the season.
However, Independence’s ball-hawking secondary looks to be somewhat neutralized by the ground game of Hendersonville. The Commandos have used their option game this year. Against Shelbyville, 9 different Commandos ran the ball. Hendersonville has used up to 15 different rushers in a single game. Independence struggled early against the option-run Summit before pulling away for a 49-12 victory. The Eagles need to rely on their defense that has averaged 8.5 tackles for loss per game, including 5 players with 9 or more tackles for loss on the season.
In what is one of the biggest matchups in the 5A playoffs in the midstate, the Eagles have their hands full with a talented Commando team. While Independence is a prohibitive favorite in Class 5A, Hendersonville has looked impressive this season. For the Eagles, assignment defense and a fast start are the biggest keys for Independence to advance to the quarterfinals.
