Independence is 0-2 at the start of the young high school football season, but new coach Bill Geiler thinks his team is going to rebound - quickly.

The Patriots, who have won seven of the past 10 N.C. large-class state championships, lost to Mallard Creek 26-6 to start the season Aug. 20. Last week, Rock Hill South Pointe blocked a punt late in the game and rallied from two touchdowns behind for a 34-27 win. Mallard Creek is No. 3 in the Observer's Sweet 16 poll. South Pointe is No. 6.

"We're a whole lot better than we were at the start of the year," said Geiler, whose team plays at unbeaten West Charlotte Saturday. "We dropped two crucial passes (against South Pointe). One of them was in the end zone. We lined up on the wrong side of the ball on another play, and they ran a long (running play for a touchdown). Then we had the blocked punt. Take away those four plays and we win the ballgame. I guess, you could find four plays in every game, but those four were crucial."

The biggest of the four was the blocked punt. Independence had a chance to get in position to win the game when a receiver dropped a sure first down with less than two minutes to go and the game tied at 27. That was one of the two passes Geiler referred to. On the next play, South Pointe's James Jackson blocked Jason Conella's punt at the Patriots' 23. That set up South Pointe QB Tay Hinklin's game-winning run, his fifth score of the game, with 58 seconds left.

The next morning, at 8 a.m., Geiler said his players beat him to the film room.

"We had 100 percent participation," Geiler said. "They were waiting for me to walk in. They were sitting there with notebooks and pencils ready to go. They're ready to do what's necessary. They realize we're young. We've got an offensive line that's never played varsity before. We've got one guy playing defense that's playing where he played before. We've made huge strides on defense. (Offensive coordinator) Jon (Strong) is giving (the offense) a little bit at a time. We're just a little bit away and the kids feel like 'Hey, we're going to get it done, coach.'"

Two Patriots defensive starters won't play at West Charlotte: Damond Brand and Kyle Sanders both suffered knee injuries that could keep them out for an extended time. Sanders has a meniscus tear. Brand, who tore a knee ligament last season, tore one in his other knee. Geiler said doctors are giving him the option to postpone surgery and play in a brace. Sanders has a doctor's appointment Wednesday, Geiler said, to help determine his future.

Football

Former Independence quarterback Chris Leak had a rough go in his first start in the Canadian Football League Friday. Replacing CFL star Anthony Calvillo, the league's top player for the past two seasons, Leak threw two interceptions and had a fumble in a 38-17 loss to the B.C. Lions.

Montreal is 2-5 in games without Calvillo. The B.C. Lions scored 24 points off six turnovers, ending a seven-game losing streak. Montreal lost for the first time at home in 14 games. Leak was 15-of-25 for 135 yards.

Charlotte Latin quarterback Sam Spence was 15-of-24 for 287 yards and three touchdowns in Friday's 56-21 over S.C. 2A school Ware Shoals. Spence has thrown six touchdowns against no interceptions this season.

Latin (2-0) has played without senior tailback Jalen Ross. Ross tore cartilage in his knee on the second day of practice in August and had surgery. Latin coach Larry McNulty said he hoped to have Ross back later this season. Ross rushed for 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.

Latin has beaten its first two opponents 117-21. The Hawks, No. 8 in the Sweet 16, play at No. 7 Charlotte Catholic Friday.

Former Independence coach Tom Knotts is 1-2 at his new job at Dutch Fork (S.C.). Knotts' team played twice last week, beating Chapin (S.C.) 30-21 Monday in a game postponed due to lightning, and losing 38-28 at North Augusta Friday.

Soccer

Myers Park and Mallard Creek are averaging seven goals per game. For complete soccer stats, visit charlotteobserver.com/prepstats.

Today's big match pits South Meck (5-0-1), No. 5 in the state 4A coaches poll, at Gastonia Forestview. Forestview (4-0-1) is No. 7 in the state 3A coaches poll. On Thursday, South Mecklenburg will face Charlotte Catholic at home. Catholic is No. 2 in the 3A coaches poll.

Baseball

Tyler Simmons, a senior catcher at Charlotte Christian, committed to Wingate. He hit .366 with nine doubles last season.

Miscellaneous

Gastonia Ashbrook, Morganton's N.C. School for the Deaf and Watauga were among 12 schools in the N.C. High School Athletic Association that have not had an ejection in any sport for five consecutive academic years.