Patriots QB looks smooth

Independence quarterback Anthony Carrothers, a junior, looked as smooth and collected as during any game last season. He was 16-of-20 passing for 275 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 40 yards and two scores.

There were too many conferences that included three and four referees. Make the call quickly, mark the penalty and move on.

It was a mixed bag for Independence kicker Robbie Ward. He had two extra points blocked, missed another and made one from 35 yards after a penalty. That was countered by every kickoff going high and nearly to the goal line.

The stagnant summer air was evident when the gunsmoke from Independence's cannon (fired after every touchdown) hung over the field about 10 minutes in the third quarter.

Independence has good team speed. If you're not massive, be fast. Opponents can't always stop fast.

Most pregame music features current artists, and that's cool. But it made this codger smile when I heard The Who's “Won't Get Fooled Again” on Friday. Classics work for listeners at any age.

The next two games are biggies for Independence. The Patriots will travel to play next week at Madison County, Fla., the state's reigning 2A champion. The following week's game will be at rival West Charlotte.

A good omen: Public-address announcement about food being grilled near the end zone by Dave Cook. How can you not partake from a guy named Cook?

Olympic quarterback Lucas Beatty has a decent arm, but was sacked six times. Understandably, he looked a little hurried on most of his throws.

Butler fans stand up, stand out

Butler's student section was full well before kickoff and loud all night. The kids rarely sat. The Bulldogs have some of the best fans in the county..
Butler wears black and gray, North Meck blue and white – so what was up with all the purple and gold in the stands and on the sidelines? There were a good number of East Carolina fans in town for today's Virginia Tech game at Bank of America Stadium.

OK, saw my first taunting penalty of the season Friday. Butler's Tyler Bullock put a wicked hit on North Meck's Jalen McCullough. The crowd went “Ooh.” Bullock jumped up in simple celebration. Then the refs hit him for 15. I didn't like the enforcement of the rule last year and I didn't like it Friday. Let the kids play.

Couldn't help but notice Butler's Kendal Lamm, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior tackle. He has excellent footwork, long limbs and I'd say a pretty good shot at a college future.