Indy’s quarterback Arnold Taylor provided an impressive passing display completing 15 of 22 passes for 301 yards. Three of those receptions went for Patriots touchdowns as the Patriots pulled away and cruised to a 33-0 victory over East Mecklenburg.
The Patriots jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead after receiving the opening kickoff. Junior receiver Brevin Caldwell scored on a 57 yard pass from Arnold Taylor. Indy lined up for the 2-point conversion, but after a five yard penalty, Coach Mike Natoli sent sophomore Ryan Howe in to kick the extra point.
On Indy’s next possession, a pass to Shai Wheeler put the Patriots on the Eagles’ 22 yard line. On the next play Arnold Taylor hit Trevor Bryan in the end zone making the score 15-0 after Wheeler’s 2-point conversion.
With 2:24 left in the first period, Arnold Taylor scored Indy’s third touchdown in the quarter on a 14 yard run. The 2-point conversion failed, and Indy led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second period East Meck moved inside Indy’s 5 yard line. But a quarterback sack by Tyson Clawson moved the Eagles back to the 9 yard line. On the next play Indy’s defense stopped the Eagles for another loss and put the Eagles in a fourth down situation. East Meck lined up for the field goal, but Indy’s Tyson Clawson blocked the kick, and Indy took over on the 26 yard line with 2:59 left in the first half. After that red zone stop, East Meck never really come close to scoring again.
East Meck opened the second half at its own 35 yard line. On their next play, Indy’s Malik Kelly and Tyson Clawson sacked the quarterback moving the Eagles back to its 29 yard line. East Meck could not move the ball and had to punt.
After the punt, Indy had the ball on its 24 yard line. Arnold Taylor completed a pass to Brian Morgan who took the ball down to East Meck’s 23 yard line. On the next play Taylor found Trevor Bryan open and completed the pass for a touchdown. Indy’s extra point attempt was no good, and the Patriots led 33-0 with 7:44 left in the third period.
On East Meck’s next possession the Eagles had crossed mid-field and attempted a pass to the left side of the field. Indy’s Tyson Clawson picked off the pass on the 30 yard line and ran it back to the Eagles 13 yard line. However, a penalty moved Indy back to the 23 yard line. The Patriots were called for two more penalties moving the ball back to the 36 yard line. After the back-to-back penalties, the Eagles sacked quarterback Arnold Taylor to make it third down and thirty.
On Indy’s next play Taylor quick kicked, but the ball went into the end zone, and the Eagles took over on their 20 yard line with 43 seconds left in the third quarter.
There was not a lot of action in the fourth quarter as neither team scored any points or mounted any long drives. Indy had the final possession of the game. Coach Natoli called for the team to go into victory formation, and Indy ran out the clock and took the conference win 33-0.
The Patriots improved to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Next week the Patriots will travel to Indian Trail to take on Porter Ridge.
Independence    21 6 6 0 – 33
East Mecklenburg  0 0 0 0 –  0
First Quarter
Indy – Brevin Caldwell 57 yard pass from Arnold Taylor (Ryan Howe kick)
Indy – Trevor Bryan 22 yard pass from Arnold Taylor (Shai Wheeler 2-point
conversion)
Indy – Arnold Taylor 14 yard run (2-point conversion no good)
Second Quarter
Indy – Khalil Morrison 12 yard run (PAT no good)
Third Quarter
Indy – Trevor Bryan 23 yard pass from Arnold (PAT no good)
Fourth Quarter
No Score
