By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
There are many heartwarming stories in the high school sports world that serve as rallying points for local communities. Friday nights on the football field can unite thousands of fans, create long-lasting memories, and produce heroes.
Followers of North Carolina's Independence High School Patriots have been spoiled by these type of moments over the last seven years as the school has piled up 108 consecutive victories on the football field.
Despite the remarkable run of success, the program has accumulated its fair (or maybe unfair) share of critics during a run of dominance that could continue in the Patriots' season-opener Aug. 24 at Charlotte's Olympic High School.
Langston Wertz, a reporter from the Charlotte Observer who covers the program, says the view of Independence is similar to that of a perennial power in another sport, the New York Yankees.
"It's the evil empire, definitely," Wertz said.
Head coach Tom Knotts took over the program eight years ago after successful stops at Harding and West Charlotte. "The Steak" has created a unified backlash amongst teams in the Charlotte area and around the state.
"Everybody gets tired of seeing the same people win over and over," Knotts said. "Here in Charlotte, they want us to lose, except for our fans."
Seeing is certainly the operative word. Every television station in Charlotte goes to the Independence game on a weekly basis. They often make the evening news, right after segments about the Carolina Panthers.
To the chagrin of everyone who roots against the Patriots, they return a very talented team capable of going undefeated.
The Patriots feature a dynamic offensive duo of quarterback Anthony Carruthers and halfback Rob Chisholm. Carruthers is only a sophomore, but can run and throw the ball well. Chisholm is a strong back with legitimate 4.4 speed. Neither is battled tested in "streak" games, however, as both are transfers.
Devonte Holloman, a rising junior safety, may also see some snaps, but should make his biggest contributions on the defensive side of the ball. Nose guard Lawrence Williams will anchor the defensive line, while defensive back Makiri Pugh, committed to Georgia, is another playmaker in the secondary.
However, when star tight end Mario Carter tore ligaments in his knee during a scrimmage, the team was dealt a real blow. He is expected to miss the entire season, which cripples the Independence offense that was expected to revolve around him.
Still, the Patriots will be gunning to defend their streak. It puts a target on the team's back, as every opponent wants to be the team that knocks off the "Big I". As the streak continues, the pressure compounds, and the players have a great deal riding on their shoulders.
"I'm hoping this group doesn't want to be the one to blow it," Knotts said.
He also said the players were resilient, and when fully healthy, would probably comprise his third strongest team at Independence.
Don't expect the Patriots' cause to garner much sympathy from the state of North Carolina, or other states for that matter.
"People think that Independence doesn't play anybody, and they just run up the streak against weak competition," Wertz said. "I get e-mails all the time from people in other states saying the streak is phony."
A victory in week two against Elder in the Burger King Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge could change many people's minds. It is the team's only out-of-state game this season. Knotts thought it would be a good experience for his players, and rejected the notion that his team had to prove itself on the national level.
"This is high school football. We're not set up to play a national schedule," Knotts said.
While many critics will be rooting for the streak to end, there's a good chance it won't happen, according to Wertz.
"I think the streak will go on, and they will get to De La Salle's record," Wertz said.
The aforementioned De La Salle's national record 151-game winning streak is in the Patriots' sights, a tantalizing reminder that they are nearing the most cherished record in high school football.
"We are already looking at it. We have three classes that are pretty decent and can get to it," Knotts said.
Whether the winning streak ends this season, or even this decade, remains to be seen. For as much passion displayed by ill-wishers hoping to see the streak end, the team is just as passionate about keeping it alive.
"The streak is something we're really proud of," Knotts said. "You'd think once or twice in 108 games you'd have an off game and lose. Every Friday night, we've found a way to get it done. Everybody loses, and we haven't lost yet."