Corje Johnson –  Corje is a 6’0″ 231 pound defensive end for the Patriots varsity football team.  He is a first year player and has made a contribution to the team during his only season.  What motivates this young man is his desire to keep the family tradition going.  His father and brother both played football so every man in the family played this great game.  Corje believes family traditions are important, so he did not want to be the one to break the chain.  His goal this season was to play to the best of his ability, learn all he can, go to battle with his teammates at practice and in games.  He wants to make a positive contribution to the program and win.  After graduation Corje plans on joining the U.S. Air Force and serving his country honorably.  People who have been most influential in his life are his parents and grandparents for always helping him stay focused and to prepare him for the challenges ahead.   His advice to younger teammates is to work hard, give your all at every practice and in every game, because you will miss it when it’s done and over.

Jacob Lee –  A senior 5’10” 224 pound center for the Patriots varsity football team.  Jacob has been on the team for 3 full seasons.  He is also a two sport student athlete who plays lacrosse in the Spring for Indy.  What motivates Jacob are his teammates, improving his skills and being part of something that is bigger than himself.  This year he would like to maintain his current 3.5 GPA and improve upon it.  Regarding sports he wants to just compete and win.  After graduation Jacob plans on attending a four year college or university.  What is most influential in his life is his faith, parents and family.  His advice to teammates is always keep grinding and playing for each other.

Xavier Lloyd –  Xavier is a wide receiver and defensive safety for the Patriots.  He has been on the football team since his freshman season.  What motivates him is being able to represent his school in a positive way and to simply play for the love of the game.  His goals this year are to play his best, to hopefully gain conference recognition and remain on the honor roll.  After graduation he plans on attending a four year university or college of his choice.  The most influential person in his life is definitely his mother.  Xavier’s advice to his teammates is no matter what happens continue to keep your head up and work hard everyday.  It will eventually payoff on the field and in real world life situations.

Ian Mccaskill – A senior linebacker at 5’11’ and 192 pounds has been solid and active for the Patriots.  He has been a member of the Independence football program for the past two seasons.  What motivates him is to always improve and get better in the classroom and on the gridiron.  It’s important to stay focused on both activities and succeed by getting high marks in both endeavors.  After graduation Ian plans to attend a college or university that is a good fit for him where he can be most successful.  The most influential people in his life are his family.  His advice is to just keep grinding, you don’t know what you have until you empty your tank and don’t have anymore.

Chase Rappe – Number 8 only at 5’8″ and 165 pounds maybe the most versatile football player on the team.  He is the starting safety on defense, a running back and wide receiver for the Patriots.  He is also a two sport student athlete as Chase is a member of the baseball team.  He has played in the Indy football program for the past three years.  What motivates him is having pride in representing Independence and to give his best effort for his teammates.  Also, to attend a Division II college, play football, earn a degree and have a good career.  Academically, his goal this year is to increase his current 4.67 GPA, and to pass all his final AP exams.  From a sports perspective win as many games as possible on the gridiron and enjoy my final season in baseball.  After graduation he is eyeing Davidson College and plans to major in a math or science related field.  The most influential people in his life are his family, especially dad, however, they all support and guide him.  The coaches have played a major role on the field.  His advice to teammates is to always give 100% at practice, be humble and cherish the moments because the time goes fast.

Moises Rodriguez – A senior wide receiver who has made a contribution to the Patriots during this past season.  He has been a member of the team for the past two years.  What motivates him is to become a better player, teammate and person.  His goals this year are to get good grades and be remembered for his effort and contributions on and off the field.  After graduation Moises plans on joining the United States Marine Corps to serve his country honorably, Semper Fi young man.  The most influential people in his life are dad and his brother who have always supported and encouraged him.  His advice for the younger teammates is to continue to work hard, dream big and go for it.

Cameron Snyder – This senior football player is a linebacker and wide receiver for Indy.  He has been involved in the Patriots football program for the past two seasons. What motivates him is the competition and playing with his brothers on the field who have become a family.  Is goal this year is to get all A’s and B’s in his studies and to earn himself some scholarship funds for college.  After graduation he plans on attending a four year university.  The most influential people have been his mom and dad who have always given him good direction and guidance.  His advice to returning players is to keep on grinding and ignore the all the noise.  Stay focused, believe and succeed.

Kynyatta Tshiona –  A senior defensive back who has contributed to the Patriots football program with his solid work ethic.  He has been on the team for the past three years.  He is also a two sport student athlete as he competes in track and field events for Indy.  What motivates him is his family and teammates.  His goals this year are to make good grades, grow and prosper in sports and improve his overall performance.  After graduation he plans on attending a four year college, graduate and enter the world to make some real money to enjoy life and career.  The most influential people in his life are his family and close friends.  His advice to underclassman and teammates is to stay awake, listen and learn.

Justin Watkins –  This senior is a wide receiver who is a first year player on the varsity football team at Indy.  As a one year player he will do almost anything possible to make a contribution to help the team win games.  What motivates him is representing the school, his teammates and himself.  Therefore, working hard, showing commitment and pushing yourself to your limits to empty the tank are all important characteristics for success.  His goal is to maintain and improve upon his current 3.7 GPA and graduate on the honor roll. After graduation Justin plans on attending Coastal Carolina University and study physical science.  The most influential people have been his parents and the coaches who always motivate him to do his best.  Justin’s advice to all students and classmates is “If you have a dream chase it.”