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Independence takes advantage of Blackman miscues




Blackman quarterback Drew Beam throws from the pocket against Independence Friday night at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman quarterback Drew Beam throws from the pocket against Independence Friday night at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence (2-1, 1-0) grabbed a big win on the road with a 28-7 victory over Blackman (1-3, 1-0) Friday night.

Both teams are accustomed to tough non-district scheduling, and Friday night’s matchup fit the bill.

“At Independence we try to set a culture of ‘to be the best you have to beat the best’,” Independence standout quarterback Jaxson Campbell said. “Blackman is similar to us in that way, and we knew they are one of the better teams and we had a great week of preparation and got after it today.”

“Starting out with a tough schedule definitely teaches you a lot,” Blackman senior Drew Beam said. “We’ve figured out who we are, and what we need to work on. Playing these non-district games, yes you would like to win them, but they also teach you what you need to work on which is good going into conference play.”

Campbell continued with a Mr. Football-worthy season, tallying four more touchdowns to bring his season total to 12 in three games. In the win against Blackman, he threw for 187 yards and a TD while rushing for 100 and three TDs.

Blackman Jyteriyon Thomas (14) and Mark (7) celebrate a touchdown. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman Jyteriyon Thomas (14) and Mark (7) celebrate a touchdown. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

“We have changed the offense this year,” Campbell said. “Coach (Scott) Blade is a great coach and has changed it to some of my strengths, and we are able to go in the air to our big receivers and tight ends, and we are able to ground and pound a bit.”

After the game Campbell went looking for his offensive line, who dominated an experienced Blackman defensive line, to give his respect.

“My O-line did amazing,” Campbell said. “They (Blackman) have a really good defensive front, but our line just got after it. We set a standard and we know it is going to be a good game when I don’t get hit.”

Although his one score through the air was to Calvin Wilson, his most frequent target was Ty Lockwood, who had six grabs for 101 yards.

As for the Blaze, penalties and untimely turnovers plagued the team throughout the game. Blackman committed four turnovers, two of which were inside the Eagles’ 30. They also had huge pass interference and personal foul penalties.

Independence's Jaxson Campbell (8) runs for a touchdown against Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence’s Jaxson Campbell (8) runs for a touchdown against Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

“The game could have been a lot closer if not for costly mistakes,” Beam said. “There were few untimely ones that just killed us. It’s another aspect of the game we need to clean up. Those personal foul penalties the refs are always going to catch the guy who retaliates, so you just have to keep it to yourself.”

Blackman did, however, show ability to move the ball sans the untimely errors, especially Beam, who had a few big long yardage scrambles to prolong drives, including setting up his 10-yard TD pass to Justin Brown.

Both teams jump back into district action next week. Independence travels to Franklin while Blackman plays host to Warren County.

Independence's Tre Hartwell (6) brought down as Blackman's Elijah Smith (1) and Julian Childress (23) pile on Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence’s Tre Hartwell (6) brought down as Blackman’s Elijah Smith (1) and Julian Childress (23) pile on Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman Nathaniel Sembiring (17) intercepts a pass intended for Independence'a Owen Foretich (86) Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman Nathaniel Sembiring (17) intercepts a pass intended for Independence’a Owen Foretich (86) Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence's Brooks Sapone (2) intercepts a pass in the end zone that was intended for Blackman Blaze Mark Cooper (7). HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence’s Brooks Sapone (2) intercepts a pass in the end zone that was intended for Blackman Blaze Mark Cooper (7). HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence's Jaxson Campbell (8) and Will Manis (71) celebrate a touchdown agasint Blackman. HARRION MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence’s Jaxson Campbell (8) and Will Manis (71) celebrate a touchdown agasint Blackman. HARRION MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman coach Kit Hartsfield gives instructions during a timeout against Independence Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman coach Kit Hartsfield gives instructions during a timeout against Independence Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman's Jaylyn Pleasant (20) looks for running room past Independence's Andrew Holloway (24) Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman’s Jaylyn Pleasant (20) looks for running room past Independence’s Andrew Holloway (24) Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence's Tommy Monohan (23) celebrates after a fumble recovery. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Independence’s Tommy Monohan (23) celebrates after a fumble recovery. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

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