Independence shows no sign of slowing down, looks to build on strong start

John Lilly and Independence have not forgotten a nine-point loss to Fairmont Senior in the Class AA final last December.

Yet despite losing Atticus Goodson, last season’s Kennedy award winner, the Patriots were optimistic about the pieces returning in 2022. Goodson rushed for 1,907 yards on 182 carries and 29 touchdowns last year, but his departure created expanded roles for others that have capitalized on their opportunities early in the season.

For the third straight season, Independence is 2-0 and the Patriots have outscored the opposition 100-0 to this point. 

A significant contribution to the Patriots’ early defensive success is that every starter from last season returns (Goodson was a part-time defensive player in 2021). 

“We have a great group of kids,” said Lilly, the fifth-year head coach at Independence. “Many people like talking about it, but they will do it. They worked hard in the offseason. They went to different camps and 7-on-7 events during the summer. They put the time and effort into it. Also, I have a great staff.”

Judah Price, the Patriots’ senior running back, is off to a fast start. Price has found the end zone six times, including four touchdowns against Liberty Raleigh. 

“Judah is a beast,” Lilly noted. “He is not as big as Atticus, but we were spoiled with both of them last season. Judah is the main man. He has responded well. He hasn’t carried the ball much, because he had eight carries in the first game, then 20 times last week. We hope he can carry the ball more moving forward.”

Junior quarterback Trey Bowers, transitioning from the outside to behind center, has had his ebbs and flows through the first two games. He’s completed 59 percent of his passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns.

“He is a surprise to many people, but not for us,” Lilly stated. “He was an all-state wide receiver last season. Trey is one of the fastest runners in the state, especially in southern West Virginia. He is probably second or third regarding speed. Each day he gets better throwing the ball. That was one of the things that everyone wanted to see him do and he has responded well.”

Lilly is in his fifth season with the Patriots, and he has seen the program grow since he assumed the role. Independence has increased its win total the last four years by an average of three wins. The Patriots also had an unbeaten regular season in 2021 for the first time since 1986.

“I don’t think our kids are satisfied. They have their eyes set on being one of the best in the state. They are excited to play those kinds of games,” Lilly said. “The one thing we wanted to do as a staff and team was to start where we left off. Do not go through growing pains and teachable moments. We wanted to show that we haven’t had any let off and grow off that.”

Independence will make the trip to Putnam County Friday to take on Poca for the first time since 1991. The Patriots lead the all-time series, 4-0, and despite Poca losing each of its first two games this season, Lilly knows that his team cannot look over what the Dots possess.

“Their quarterback [Jordan Wolfe] is good,” Lilly noted. “He has improved a lot from last year. They are young, but they are talented. We will have our hands full. We haven’t faced anyone that will spread us out and throw it around like that. It will be a challenge for our kids and us.”

Independence has not been 3-0 in back-to-back seasons since the 1986 and 1987 campaigns.





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