COAL CITY, WV — Entering the Class AA quarterfinals with an eight-game home winning streak and the higher seed, #4 Independence hosted #5 Doddridge County in a first-time matchup that lived up to the anticipation. In a game where every detail proved critical, the Bulldogs outlasted the Patriots 38-27, ending Independence’s season in a hard-fought, rain-soaked contest.

Doddridge County struck first, opting to go for it on 4th-and-9, where Brysen Dixon scampered free for a 12-yard touchdown run, though the PAT missed. Independence responded after a stalled red zone trip by capitalizing on a 46-yard punt return from Christian Linksweiler, setting up Brock Green for a 1-yard QB sneak to tie the game.

The shootout quickly commenced. Dixon connected with Jerod Trent for a 54-yard touchdown, but Green answered with a 32-yard strike to Kaden Bradbury, giving Independence a 13-12 lead. Doddridge marched back downfield, aided by a huge fourth-and-nine completion from Dixon to Lyric Blake, who later punched in a 1-yard score. Dixon added the two-point conversion, pushing the Bulldogs ahead 20-13.

Green added another QB sneak late in the half, but a missed two-point attempt — Independence’s second of the night — sent the Patriots into the locker room trailing 20-19.

Independence came out strong in the second half. A 43-yard completion to Bradbury set up Sylas Nelson for a 3-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a Green-to-Micah Cuthbert two-point conversion to reclaim the lead at 27-20. Doddridge then briefly lost Dixon to an injury scare, resulting in a stalled drive and turnover on downs. Momentum swung again when Independence threw an interception deep in their own territory, allowing the Bulldogs to convert another fourth down as Dixon returned and regain the lead with a two-point conversion.

As rain intensified, mistakes piled up for Independence. A fumble on fourth down gave Doddridge another short field, but the Patriots’ defense kept the game within one score. That changed on a pivotal third down when Landon Thomas jumped a route, returning an interception 65 yards for the game’s first two-score lead — and the final blow — putting the Bulldogs up 38-27, where the score would remain.

Nelson led the Independence ground game with 21 carries for 104 yards. Bradbury posted five receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Kellen Viars hauled in seven catches for 66 yards.

Game Ball

• Offense: Sylas Nelson, RB

Looking Ahead — Next Season

Independence battled to the end but exited in the quarterfinals with only their second loss of the season. The Patriots will graduate several key contributors, including RB/LB Sylas Nelson, WR/DB Christian Linksweiler, WR/DB Kaden Bradbury, LB Landon Riddle, and LB/RB Cole Laxton, all pivotal to the team’s success. However, the future remains bright. Independence returns star quarterback Brock Green, WR Kellen Viars, DL Isaiah Conley, and a strong core ready to build on a successful season and make another deep playoff push in 2026.

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COAL CITY, WV — In just their second-ever meeting, the Independence Patriots evened the all-time series with a 42-17 win over Lincoln in the opening round of the Class AA playoffs. Despite the final score, Lincoln pushed the Patriots early, but a critical swing in momentum proved too much for the Cougars to overcome.

Lincoln quarterback AJ Bart delivered a gutsy performance, completing 34 of 47 passes for 346 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Cougars trailed just 14-10 at halftime, assisted by two missed field goals from Independence in the second quarter. Coming out of the break, Lincoln threatened to take the lead with a strong opening drive — until the turning point of the game.

A fumble recovery by Cole Laxton, returned 46 yards for a touchdown, completely captured momentum and ignited the Patriots. From that moment on, Independence outscored Lincoln 21-7 the rest of the way, pulling away behind an efficient offense and timely defensive plays.

Quarterback Brock Green continued his standout season, going 16-of-22 for 283 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing score. His top target, Christian Linksweiler, once again dominated with five receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Kellen Viars also played a significant role in the passing attack, adding seven catches for 118 yards.

Game Balls

• Offense: Brock Green, QB
• Momentum Shifter: Cole Laxton, LB

Looking Ahead

The #4 Patriots advance to the second round of the West Virginia Class AA playoffs, where they will host #5 Doddridge County on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Doddridge County enters the matchup coming off a dominant 52-7 win over #12 Logan, a game in which their defense snagged five interceptions against Logan’s pass-heavy offense while the offense operated with efficiency and balance.

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HINTON, WV — Independence closed out its regular season in dominant fashion, defeating Summers County 56-6 in a game that was called just seconds before halftime due to a serious injury to a Bobcats player. The victory improves the Patriots’ all-time record against Summers County to 27-20 and secures a 9-1 regular-season finish.

Summers County struck first when senior quarterback Eli Franklin found Robbie Brown for a touchdown, though the extra point was missed. That would be the Bobcats’ only highlight of the day, as Independence seized command immediately after.

Sophomore quarterback Brock Green turned in another elite performance, completing 10 of 11 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns — all in the first half before the game’s early conclusion. Senior wideout Christian Linksweiler was unstoppable, pulling in five catches for 189 yards and four touchdowns, accounting for most of the Patriots’ receiving production.

The ground game was just as explosive, with Paxton Myers rushing five times for 101 yards and a touchdown, continuing his breakout play late in the season.

Game Balls

• Offense: Brock Green, QB
• Scoring Threat: Christian Linksweiler, WR

Looking Ahead

The Independence Patriots (9-1) earned the #4 seed in the West Virginia Class AA playoffs and will host #13 Lincoln (4-6) in the opening round. The matchup marks just the second meeting between the two programs — the first coming in 2016, when Lincoln defeated Independence 35-12. Lincoln enters the postseason after a 55-8 loss to Philip Barbour and will rely heavily on standout playmaker AJ Bart to challenge the Patriots’ defense.

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COAL CITY, WV — Coming off their first loss of the season, Independence entered their final regular-season home game as heavy favorites — but the contest turned into anything but routine. Costly mistakes and penalties nearly derailed the Patriots, who narrowly escaped with a 28-27 win over Nicholas County. The victory improves Independence’s all-time series record to 9-5.

The Patriots found themselves battling adversity throughout the night, committing four turnovers and over 100 yards in penalties, forcing them to dig deep to avoid the upset. Nicholas County capitalized early, turning a KJ Viars fumble and a recovered squib kick into two touchdowns for a quick 14-0 lead.

Independence clawed back before halftime behind sophomore quarterback Brock Green, who punched in a short quarterback sneak and later connected with Kaden Bradbury on a 17-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14.

Momentum carried into the second half, as senior Cole Laxton powered in from four yards out before Green found Viars for a 31-yard score, giving the Patriots a 28-14 lead. However, the Grizzlies refused to fold, capitalizing on more Independence errors. Quarterback Coleton Hellems hit Lucas Milam for two touchdowns, the second pulling Nicholas County within one at 28-27.

As the road underdog, the Grizzlies went for the win, attempting a two-point conversion — but KJ Viars came up huge, breaking up the pass intended for Milam to hold the one-point victory and prevent the upset.

Green finished with 285 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and one rushing score. Paxton Myers led the offense on the ground, rushing 26 times for 202 yards, including nine runs of 10 yards or more. KJ Viars contributed on both sides of the ball, recording eight catches for 165 yards and a touchdown in addition to the game-saving defensive play.

Game Balls

• Offense: Brock Green, QB
• Clutch: KJ Viars, WR/DB

Looking Ahead

The Independence Patriots (8-1) will close out the regular season on the road against the Summers County Bobcats (0-8). The Patriots have won three straight and lead the all-time series 26-20. With Summers County still searching for its first win, Independence enters as the heavy favorite but will aim to clean up mistakes as they gear up for the postseason.

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PRINCETON, WV — In one of the most anticipated games of the year, Independence would fall 42-30 to Princeton on the road. The game featured plenty of fireworks, with the Tigers coming out on top but not without a relentless effort from the Patriots to the very end.

The physical toll of the season was evident. Star running back Sylas Nelson missed the game and is expected to sit out the remainder of the regular season. Quarterback Brock Green played through a turf toe injury after spending much of the week in a walking boot, while All-State linebacker Landon Riddle exited the game early in the 2nd quarter with an ankle injury. Despite the adversity, the Patriots showed grit, keeping the game competitive through three quarters before mistakes proved costly.

Princeton’s trademark big-play offense was on full display. After an 84-yard touchdown was called back by penalty, the Tigers scored on the very next play with a 92-yard score. Senior playmaker Bradley Mossor exemplified Princeton’s explosiveness, recording just three carries for 100 yards and a touchdown, along with eight receptions for 84 yards and another score.

Independence had its opportunities but failed to capitalize. In the first half, Christian Linksweiler returned an interception 43 yards to the Princeton 27, setting up a potential scoring drive that ended with a blocked 41-yard field goal. A second missed field goal and an interception in the third quarter added to the Patriots’ miscues, hindering key opportunities to close the gap.

Even at less than full strength, Brock Green displayed resilience, helping guide the offense. His effort to keep the team in contention underscored the Patriots’ fight against one of the state’s most talented teams.

Game Balls

• Leader: Brock Green, QB
• Two-Way Impact: Christian Linksweiler, WR/DB

Looking Ahead

The Independence Patriots (7-1) return home next week looking to rebound against the Nicholas County Grizzlies (2-6). Independence has won the last five meetings and holds an 8-5 edge all-time in the series. The Patriots enter as heavy favorites, but will need to contain veteran quarterback Coleton Hellems and running back Devin Nash to avoid any upset as they look to close the season strong.

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MARIETTA, OH — Independence continued its unbeaten season with a 42-21 win over Barnesville (OH) in their first-ever meeting, played at a neutral site, Marietta College. The Patriots found themselves locked in a 21-21 battle at halftime, but a dominant second-half performance — fueled by takeaways and big plays through the air — drove them to the decisive victory.

The Patriots capitalized immediately, recovering a muffed opening kickoff at the Barnesville 17-yard line and scoring four plays later on a 2-yard run by Sylas Nelson. Moments later, Independence forced another turnover with an interception, setting the tone early.

Barnesville’s Trey Tolliver tied the game with a rushing score, but sophomore quarterback Brock Green answered with a 22-yard touchdown strike to KJ Viars to retake the lead, 14-7. The two teams exchanged blows before halftime — with Green adding a short rushing touchdown and Barnesville’s Cole Francis connecting with Phoenix Graham on a 58-yard pass to even things at 21-21.

The second half belonged entirely to Independence. The defense shut out Barnesville while securing three interceptions, and Green led the passing attack with three third-quarter touchdown passes — two to Christian Linksweiler and a 60-yard bomb to Kaden Bradbury — to put the game out of reach.

Green turned in an elite outing, completing 25 of 34 passes for 403 yards and four touchdowns while adding 48 yards and a rushing score. Nelson continued his strong season with 13 carries for 130 yards and a touchdown, helping the Patriots control the pace throughout the second half.

Game Balls

• Offense: Brock Green, QB
• Defense: Entire Defensive Unit

Looking Ahead

The Independence Patriots (7-0) travel to face the Princeton Tigers (7-0) in a much-anticipated clash of unbeatens. The matchup also serves as a revenge game for Independence after last year’s 48-10 loss. Both teams currently are ranked #1 in their respective SSAC classifications, and Princeton will enter as the AAA favorite. Independence’s defense will key in on senior wide receiver Brad Mossor, Princeton’s primary offensive weapon, as they look to stay perfect.

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COAL CITY, WV — Independence extended its winning streak to seven games and took the all-time series lead over Westside, 12-11, with a commanding 49-6 victory. From the opening kickoff, the Patriots dominance on both sides of the ball, pairing a relentless ground attack with a defense that was suffocating

Senior running back Sylas Nelson delivered another career performance, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the season behind a five-touchdown first half. Nelson rushed 13 times for 188 yards and five scores, pushing his season totals to 1,071 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Senior Cole Laxton added a 29-yard touchdown run, while the Renegades’ lone score came late in the fourth quarter on a one-yard run by Braxton Waldron, long after the outcome had been decided.

Through the air, sophomore quarterback Brock Green continued his efficient play, completing 14-of-18 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown to senior wide receiver Christian Linksweiler.

Game Balls

• Ground Game: Sylas Nelson, RB
• Passing Game: Brock Green, QB

Looking Ahead

The Patriots (6-0) hit the road next week for their first-ever matchup against the Barnesville Shamrocks (OH) (7-1). Despite being undefeated, Independence enters as the underdog against a Barnesville squad that’s dominated much of its schedule, with nearly all wins coming by multiple scores. The Patriots will look to stay perfect and make a statement in one of their toughest test yet. The game will be played at a neutral sight at Marietta College (OH).

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COAL CITY, WV — Independence’s matchup with Bluefield had been circled on the calendar since preseason, and while the final score showed a 31-10 Patriots win, the game carried far more suspense than the score suggests. With the victory, Independence improves to 5-0 and moves to 4-1 in their last five meetings.

The Patriots came out firing, jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first four minutes behind senior Sylas Nelson, who scored on runs of 32 and 11 yards. Nelson also recovered a fumble in Beaver territory, setting the tone early. Junior kicker Micah Cuthbert added a 27-yard field goal to stretch the advantage to 17-0.

But Bluefield battled back in the second quarter. On 4th-and-15, sophomore quarterback Max Simpson hit junior receiver Tylee Simon for a 36-yard touchdown, and kicker Eli Riffe drilled a 29-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 17-10 by halftime, swinging momentum toward the Beavers.

Independence steadied itself in the second half, leaning again on Nelson, who powered in from seven yards out halfway through the third quarter for his third touchdown of the day. Sophomore quarterback Brock Green sealed the game with a one-yard QB sneak in the fourth quarter, finishing off the 31-10 victory.

The Patriots’ defense showed out when it counted most, holding Bluefield to just 10 points and allowing only three points across four red-zone trips. That bend-don’t-break defense proved decisive in a game where momentum swung.

Game Balls

• Defense: Red-Zone Defense
• Momentum Mover: Sylas Nelson, RB/LB

Looking Ahead

Independence (5-0) gets a week off before returning home on October 10 to face the Westside Renegades (3-1). The series is tied at 11 wins each, but the Patriots ride a six-game winning streak into this year’s meeting. Westside depends on senior running back Devon Sanders offensively, and containing him will be key if Independence is to avoid an upset and stay unbeaten.

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MADISON, WV — Nearly a year to the day of their first meeting, Independence (4-0) left no doubt in round two, steamrolling the Scott Skyhawks (1-3) 53-0. Once the Patriots got going, there was simply no stopping them.

The scoring started late in the first quarter when junior kicker Micah Cuthbert drilled a 36-yard field goal. That set the tone for a second-quarter outbreak. Sophomore quarterback Brock Green stayed hot from last week, hitting Kellen Viars twice on virtually identical screen passes that went for 45- and 46-yard touchdowns.

Special teams capitalized when a Skyhawks miscue on a punt snap was kicked out of the endzone for a safety, allowing senior running back Sylas Nelson to power in from 18 yards to stretch the halftime lead to 33-0.

After the break, Green faked the screen before finding senior wideout Christian Linksweiler for a 46-yard strike. Nelson followed with the longest score of the night — an 81-yard scoring run, his third touchdown of the evening, blowing the game wide open at 46-0. Sophomore back Jacob Grimmett capped things off late with an 18-yard touchdown run to close out the 53-0 shutout.

Green was sharp again, completing 10-of-13 passes for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, adding 12 rushing yards. Nelson carried 12 times for 185 yards and three scores, plus a reception. Viars (4 catches, 106 yards, 2 TDs) and Linksweiler (4 catches, 114 yards, 1 TD) both topped 100 yards.

Game Balls

• Offense: Sylas Nelson, RB
• YAC Threat: Kellen Viars, WR

Looking Ahead

The Patriots (4-0) return home after two road trips to host the Bluefield Beavers (3-1). Independence has never lost to Bluefield at home (3-0), but dropped the most recent matchup on the road in 2023 (21-43). To win the high-ranked matchup, the Patriots will need to control Bluefield’s sophomore quarterback Max Simpson, who holds an offer from East Tennessee State.

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VINCENT, OH — Independence hit the road for its first-ever meeting with the Warren (OH) Warriors and showed no signs of slowing down. The Patriots kept their foot on the gas with explosive plays through the air and a bruising ground attack, rolling to their third straight 30-point win.

Sophomore quarterback Brock Green showcased his arm talent, throwing five touchdown passes — three of them traveling nearly 40 yards in the air before finding their targets. Seniors wideouts Christian Linksweiler and Kaden Bradbury each hauled in two scores, while senior Cole Laxton added one through the air.

Just before halftime, Warren tried to get some momentum before the half, but senior cornerback Sylas Nelson jumped a red-zone fade route for a key interception, keeping the Warriors scoreless.

Defensively, senior tackle Izaac Redden may not have filled the stat sheet, but his impact was undeniable. Consistently commanding double — even triple — teams, Redden anchored the line and freed up teammates to make plays.

Game Balls

• Offense: Brock Green, QB
• Defense: Sylas Nelson, CB
• Deep Threat: Christian Linksweiler, WR
• Unsung Hero: Izaac Redden, DL

Looking Ahead

Independence (3-0) travels to Madison, WV, next week to face the Scott Skyhawks (1-2) in just the second meeting between the programs. The Patriots edged Scott 30-24 at home last season and enter as favorites, but will need another sharp performance to keep their perfect season intact. Skyhawk quarterback Nate Easterling is the player to watch for Scott.

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This past Friday, the Independence Patriots hosted the Martins Ferry Purple Riders out of Ohio. The first-ever meeting between the two programs lived up to the hype, as both teams entered unbeaten with impressive early-season victories. In the end, it was Independence who pulled away in the second half to secure the win.

Martins Ferry opened with a game plan built around standout running back Walkquem Cox, looking to control the clock. Surprisingly, it was their passing attack that extended drives early, but the Patriots’ defense held firm despite several lengthy possessions.

On offense, Independence came out balanced and efficient. Quarterback Brock Green spread the ball around with precision, connecting with his top trio of receivers—Kellen Vyers, Cole Laxton, and Christian Linkswiler—for key catches throughout the night.

While the Patriots struck first, Martins Ferry answered quickly to keep the margin within one score. Green, however, continued to find rhythm and added another passing touchdown before halftime to give Independence momentum.

The second half belonged to the Patriots. Running back Sylas Nelson wore down the Purple Riders’ defense with a punishing ground game, racking up over 150 rushing yards. Mixed with timely passes from Green, Independence’s lead stretched to multiple scores.

Defensively, the Patriots zeroed in on shutting down the run, forcing Martins Ferry to rely on the pass. That’s when edge rushers Isaiah Conley and Landon Riddle took over, constantly flushing the quarterback from the pocket and disrupting the Riders’ timing.

Though Martins Ferry fought to the end—punching in a late touchdown—it wasn’t enough to keep pace. Independence closed out a convincing 35-14 victory. Green finished with four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing), while Nelson powered the ground game.

Game Balls

• Offense: Brock Green
  
• Defense: The Entire Front Seven
  
• Unsung Hero: Micah Cuthbert
  

Looking Ahead
Next Friday, the Patriots will hit the road for the first time this season with a trip to Warren, Ohio—roughly a 2.5-hour drive. The Warriors, now 1-2 after securing their first win last week, bring a versatile offensive attack but are primarily led by the running duo of Tanner Pepper (#1) and Eric Carr (#2). Independence enters as a steady favorite.

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COAL CITY – Week One of Independence’s regular season delivered fireworks from the opening kick, as the No. 2 Patriots outlasted Class AAA No. 3 Herbert Hoover in a thrilling 37-34 victory Thursday night.

The matchup was a rematch of last year’s season opener, a 37-30 Hoover win, and once again the two heavyweights put on a show. Both teams traded haymakers in a first half that featured 58 combined points before Independence’s defense stiffened late to secure the win.

The Patriots struck first behind sophomore quarterback Brock Green and senior running back Sylas Nelson, marching down the field for a Micah Cuthbert field goal. But the Huskies answered quickly, as quarterback Peyton Grigsby hit wideout Lance Williams for a long touchdown.

Independence then seized momentum with a flurry. Green connected on a deep strike to freshman Kellen Viars, and moments later the Patriot defense forced a sack-fumble that Isaac Redden scooped and scored. A touchdown pass to Jason Laxton and a pick-six by Nelson stretched the lead to 30-7 early in the second quarter.

Herbert Hoover refused to fold. The Huskies rattled off back-to-back touchdown drives, then capitalized on a special teams miscue to cut the deficit to 30-28 at halftime.

The second half tightened into a defensive struggle. Hoover methodically drove to its first lead, 34-30, on a long third-quarter possession. But when the game was on the line, it was Green and the Patriots who delivered. The sophomore capped a late drive with a fourth-and-goal quarterback sneak for the go-ahead score. Independence’s defense did the rest, preserving a statement win to open the season.

The offense ran through Green and Nelson, but Viars provided a spark with several big plays. Up front, the Patriot line controlled the trenches. On defense, Landon Riddle and Isaiah Conley harassed Grigsby with multiple sacks, while Alex Blankenship anchored the interior and shut down Hoover’s inside rushing attack.

Game Balls

• Offense: Brock Green, QB
• Defense: Isaiah Conley, DL
• Frontlines: Alex Blankenship, OL/DL
• Unsung Hero: Kellen Viars, WR

Looking Ahead
Independence now turns its attention to a first-ever matchup with Martin’s Ferry (OH). The Purple Riders, with an enrollment of about 400, bring a proud football tradition and a 2-0 record into Coal City. They rolled past Malvern 35-6 last Friday behind standout sophomore running back Walkquem Cox, who ran for 201 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.

Martin’s Ferry leans on its offensive line and power ground game, with a defense that has been equally stout. For a West Virginia comparison, the Purple Riders resemble a program like Williamstown—smaller in enrollment but tough, disciplined, and well-coached.

Independence will enter as a slight favorite, but much like the Hoover game, this one could go either way. Kickoff is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at Independence High School.

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