Patriots roll to another win, setting stage for showdown with Butler

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Independence High School improved to 10-0 on the season with a 47-19 victory over Rocky River. Rocky River started strong, holding the Pats to a three and out on their first possession. The Ravens faked a punt on fourth down on the ensuing possession, and quarterback Naiil Ramadan punched it in for a 6-0 lead for the Ravens.

That’s when Independence put their foot down and punched the Ravens in the mouth. Tim Marshall got it started, intercepting Ramadan, giving Indy the ball near midfield. Quantavious McGill made the Ravens pay, scoring from 25 yards out to make it 7-6 Indy. On the Pats’ next possession, McGill ripped off a 38-yard touchdown, making the score 14-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Senior quarterback Kelvin Hopkins extended Indy’s lead with a 38-yard touchdown rush with eight minutes left in the second quarter. McGill got back in the endzone on Indy’s next possession, torching Rocky River’s defense for a 50-yard touchdown sprint. Hopkins found Will Walter from eight yards out to give Indy a 35-6 halftime lead.

On the first play from scrimmage of the first half, Rocky River’s Jaire Alexander took a screen pass and scampered 65 yards for six points. But it wouldn’t be enough for the Ravens, as Indy holds on for a 47-19 victory.

Independence will face Butler in a winner-take-all showdown for the Southwestern Championship.