Independence rolls to win over North Fayette Valley

The message was loud and clear, proving a point Independence football already realized.

The Mustangs turned some heads with their latest performance.

Independence ran roughshod over defending Class 2A state champion and top-ranked North Fayette Valley, getting 313 offensive yards and four total touchdowns from Nicholas Holt in a 36-15 victory last night at West Union.

'It meant a lot,” Holt said of the decisive win. 'We knew we could beat them. We wanted to show everyone else we could. It took all 56 guys on the team.”

The Mustangs avenged last year's nearly 40-point loss and moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2006. They have played with confidence, stemming from making the postseason last year.

'We returned a lot,” Independence Coach Justin Putz said. 'Getting to the playoffs opened their eyes that they were close. They had to take the next step.”

Independence has exploded, using a no-huddle offense. The Mustangs wear down opponents with quick calls, preventing opponents to rest or substitute. It worked against the TigerHawks, establishing a fast-paced tempo early.

'North Fayette Valley has a powerful line and are huge everywhere,” Holt said. 'Our goal was to get them tired. When the fourth quarter came, it showed.”

Holt has flourished at quarterback. He threw for 179 yards with a 45-yard touchdown to Jacob Schwarting. Holt rushed for 134 yards and two TDs. It was the second straight week he amassed 300 total yards, running for 199 in week 1.

Holt also returned an interception 70 yards for Independence's first touchdown.

'He is doing a great job being a decision-maker for us,” Putz said. 'He is a tremendous athlete.”

Holt said he believes the Mustangs have the ability to score 36 to 40 points a game. They hit on all cylinders against North Fayette Valley. Although he played a key role, he praised his teammates.

'To run and throw the ball well is amazing,” said Holt, who doesn't have a preference. 'My wide receivers made great catches and my line blocked amazing.”

Independence has tallied 69 points already and surpassed 600 rushing yards. Jake Juhl added 98 yards on the ground with an 11-yard score. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry.

'He ran hard all night and the yards were hard coming,” Putz said. 'It was not flashy but a real workmanlike effort for us.”

The Mustangs face Decorah next. They have a chance to be 3-0 for the first time since 1997.

'It's nice to have some excitement,” Putz said. 'It was not a clean game. We had some mistakes. The kids stayed focused.”

Lenoch paces Bears

West Branch junior running back Luke Lenoch has picked up right where his all-state season left off last season.

Lenoch has powered the Bears to a 2-0 start, rushing for 300 yards this season. He ran for 162 yards and three touchdowns, including a 71-yard score, in West Branch's 41-13 home win over West Liberty. Lenoch had 138 yards in a 42-7 season-opening victory against Lisbon.

Last season, Lenoch ran for 2,105 yards and 30 TDs. He has 2,655 career rushing yards and 37 scores.

West Branch heads to West Burlington/Notre Dame next week for its first road game in a battle of unbeaten teams.

A Good Knight's work

BGM junior Jayce Knight caught three passes in the Bears' 68-7 home win over Waco in Brooklyn. Each one resulted in touchdowns.

Knight hauled in three of Tanner Jansen's four TD passes, including a 64-yard scoring strike. He finished with 110 receiving yards. Knight has 179 yards and four TDs this season, helping fifth-ranked BGM to a 2-0 start.

BGM's Colton Massengale added 198 rushing yards and three TDs.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com