Independence entered their matchup against Sierra Linda on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Independence Patriots were just a hair shy of victory and fell 22-21 to the Sierra Linda Bulldogs. Despite 88 more yards than the Bulldogs, the Patriots couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.
Despite the loss, Independence still got an impressive performance from Armani Cruz, who threw for 206 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown. 83 of Cruz's passing yards were hauled in by Daniel Rodriguez.
Wesley Reece was nothing short of spectacular for Sierra Linda: he rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries. Sierra Linda is 2-1 when Reece posts two or more rushing touchdowns, but 1-4 otherwise.
Independence's defeat ended a five-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 5-3. As for Sierra Linda, their win ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-5.
Independence didn't take long to hit the field again: they've already played their next contest, a 47-0 victory against La Joya Community on the 1st. Sierra Linda has also already played their next match, a 27-14 loss against Seton Catholic on the 1st.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
