Football Game Preview: Independence Blue Devils vs. Fairview Warriors

The Independence Blue Devils will head out on the road to take on the Fairview Warriors at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Independence is headed out in good spirits considering the team just ended their winless streak on the road against Brooklyn on Friday. The Blue Devils were the clear victors by a 28-6 margin over the Hurricanes. The matchup was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 21-0.

Sam Bernhardt was a one-man wrecking crew as he rushed for 170 yards and two scores while picking up 9.4 yards per carry. He also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, making seven total tackles and defending two passes.

Independence's run defense was locked in: Brooklyn could only muster 2.4 yards per carry. While two picked up at least seven total tackles, Bernhardt stood above the rest. He rushed for 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns while picking up 9.4 yards per carry. That's the most yards per carry they've posted since back in November of 2024.

Levi Sears

Total Tackles

10/03/25 @ Brooklyn	8
09/26/25 vs Cuyahoga Heights	11
09/19/25 @ Wickliffe	6
09/12/25 vs Chagrin Falls	8
09/05/25 vs John Hay	12
+ 2 more games

Independence didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Ryan Suhy, Levi Sears, and Bobby Jackson Jr picked up one apiece. Sears is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least six every time he's taken the field this season. He got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Fairview waltzed into their game on Friday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They strolled past the Red Wolves with points to spare, taking the game 30-13.

Fairview's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Independence, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-6.