Independence was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They took a 38-21 bruising from the Bakersfield Drillers. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Falcons of the 41-17 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in October of 2023.
Despite the defeat, Independence saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Jakhai Ervin rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries. Those 106 rushing yards set a new season-high mark for Ervin. Angel Corona also played a phenomenal game despite the final result: he picked up 92 receiving yards.
Bakersfield's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Brenton Brown led the charge by rushing for 139 yards and a touchdown on only five carries. The dominant performance gave Brown a new career-high in rushing yards. Brison Abbott also helped out as he racked up 136 rushing yards.
Independence's loss dropped their record down to 4-6. As for Bakersfield, their victory was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 9-1.
The two teams are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. Independence will challenge Nipomo at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Nipomo will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something Independence surely won't give up without a fight. As for Bakersfield, they will host San Joaquin Memorial at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Bakersfield's defense has only allowed 11 points per game this season, so San Joaquin Memorial's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
