by INDEPENDENCE, OH – A rain soaked affair saw the Independence Blue Devils come away with a 26-0 win over the visiting Fairport Harbor Skippers on Friday night. The Blue Devils were led by Maverick Durden with 149 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
The Blue Devils opening drive began in amazing field territory on the 15 yard line after ablocked punt to start the game. A few moments later, it was a QB keeper that led Matt Avila to score from 15 yards out and put the Blue Devils up 6-0 with 9:25 to play.
A 40 yard burst by Maverick Durden on their second drive, set the Blue Devils up to connect on a 31-yard field goal by Jackson Scarella to extend the lead to 9-0 with 2:46 left to play in the opening quarter.
The Blue Devils spent their third drive pounding the ball on the ground with Maverick Durden picking up several first downs along the way. His brother, Mace Durden picked up a few himself as they continued to methodically move the ball. It would be Maverick Durden to finish the drive off with a touchdown scamper from 10 yards out. This extended the lead to 16-0 with 2:57 left to play in the first half.
After a botched onside kick, the Blue Devils got the ball near midfield to start the second half. A near 20 play drive, taking over 9 minutes off the clock, resulted in a 23-yard field goal from Jackson Scarella to extend the Blue Devil lead to 19-0 with 2:42 to play in the third quarter.
A Muzzin to Dionte Ivory pass completion along with a defensive pass interference by Independence allowed the Skippers into Blue Devil territory for the first time all night, late in the third quarter. The drive was snuffed out however when the Blue Devils forced a fumble to get the ball back, closing out the third quarter with the 19-0 lead preserved.
An Owen Malone interception set up the next Blue Devil drive inside the Skipper 30 yard line. This one came up short however and it was only 4 plays after that the Skippers took over on downs.
Next time the Blue Devils touched the ball, it would only take one play for Maverick Durden to sprint for a 50-yard touchdown. The kick was good to follow and it extended the lead to 26-0 with 4:40 to play in the contest.
Players of the Game
Independence RB Maverick Durden with 149 Yards and 2 TD’s
Independence PK with 2 FG’s of 31 and 23 yards
