Independence is 0-3 against Bakersfield since October of 2022 but things could change on Friday. The Falcons will head out on the road to challenge the Drillers at 7:30 p.m. Independence's defense has only allowed 12 points per game this season, so Bakersfield's offense will have their work cut out for them.
It was a Battle of the Birds when Independence duked it out with Bakersfield Christian on Friday. The Falcons took a 24-14 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Eagles. While losing is never fun, the Falcons can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 210th, while the Eagles are ranked 53rd).
Independence might have lost, but man, Rickey Johnson was a machine: he rushed for 142 yards and two scores.
Independence didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Jeffery Smith and Bricen Gutierrez.
Meanwhile, a well-balanced attack led Bakersfield over Ridgeview in every quarter on their way to victory on Friday. The Drillers were the clear victors by a 35-12 margin over the Wolf Pack. Considering the Drillers have won six contests by more than 22 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Independence better keep an eye on Damir Lomax. He was instrumental in Bakersfield's win, rushing for 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns while picking up 7.2 yards per carry. Lomax's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 136 rushing yards.
Bakersfield's victory bumped their record up to 8-1. As for Independence, their loss was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 6-3.
Independence ended up a good deal behind Bakersfield in their previous matchup back in November of 2024, losing 38-21. Can the Falcons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
