Don't Back Down

It just doesn't seem like anyone wants to run away with the high school football season this year. Even the mighty Independence Patriots were beaten back in September after a public school record 151 straight wins. Now they didn't lose to an area high school, and they did travel all the way to Ohio, but they still lost. And they haven't looked like the power team that they've been in winning seven straight state championships (though recent weeks have seen them pick up some steam).

Now the Butler Bulldogs, who most in the area have already crowned as the heir apparent to the Patriot's crown, just can't get it done. First they lose to the West Charlotte Lions in mid-September, in a two-part game that had them looking completely flat. At least that was West Charlotte, who has a strong team. Now they face the East Mecklenburg Eagles, who aren't bad, but who definitely aren't in the top of the rankings, and what happens? They get smoked (the Bulldogs, that is). What's going on?

Let's look at the game. The Bulldogs jump out to a lead, 21-0. The first thought is that they are going to roll. Unless perhaps you remember the game last November where they led Independence by a similar score. An identical score, even. What happened? The Patriots stormed back and won the game. Then the teams played again in the playoffs, where Independence creamed Butler. It's not likely that East Meck will play Butler in the playoffs, but you have to admit a certain similarity when Butler has a commanding lead in the first half and then they just shut down. It's like they went home.

Suddenly, the Eagles couldn't be stopped. A couple of interceptions and three scores later, the game was on the verge of being tied. All that needed to happen was a simple point-after, and it would be tied up at 21, and overtime would happen. Perhaps two or three. But that's when things finally went Butler's way. Sort of. The snap didn't work out, and the score stayed at 21-20. Perhaps the Bulldogs would get out with a win after all. Or maybe not. The Eagles defense stepped things up and on their own muffed snap, the Bulldogs ended up in the end zone. When the defense swarmed Butler quarterback Jacob Charest, East Meck had a safety, and the lead. 22-21. Game over. Very impressive. Butler takes on South Mecklenburg next week.

As to the Patriots, they look like they might be back on top. Maybe they aren't the same team that won 151 straight games, but they may win their 8th straight state championship. The air attack is missing - fill-in quarterback DeVonte Holloman had just 95 yards passing. He also had 95 yards rushing. Meanwhile, transfer Rod Chisholm (who came from West Charlotte - imagine how good they would be with him still there) added another 289 yards on the ground. 384 on the ground from two players! That's just crazy. The Patriots squeaked out a 43-7 win over Providence. Independence takes on Weddington next week.

West Charlotte was idle this week. They play Central Cabarrus next week.