Independence rolls over East Mecklenburg, 19-0

Cederick Stone returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown 90 seconds into the game Friday night, giving host Independence all the scoring it needed in a 19-0 Southwestern 4A victory over East Mecklenburg.

Stone snagged a 51-yard punt by the Eagles’ Rafeal Bikai, broke three tackles and evaded several other defenders on route to his touchdown.

Independence added two more touchdowns in the first half, then relied on a solid defense to shut down East Mecklenburg. The Eagles compiled only 43 yards’ total offense in the second half and 125 yards for the game.

Quantavious McGill ran 4 yards for the Patriots’ second touchdown, and Duane Perkins caught a 16-yard pass from Christian McPhail for the third score.

The Eagles’ deepest penetration came midway in the final period, when they drove to the Independence 28. But a fourth-down pass from Khalil Gilliam to Tevin Sinkler came up 2 yards short of a first down.

Quote: “This was our biggest win of the season. We are still having problems with penalties, but we’re getting there. This was better.” – Independence coach Justin Hardin.

Records: East Mecklenburg (2-4, 0-1 Southwestern 4A); Independence (3-3, 1-0 Southwestern 4A).

Worth mentioning: East Mecklenburg senior running back Juan Powell entered the game averaging 116 rushing yards a game but was held to 37 yards in 15 carries … Independence senior Quantavious McGill rushed for 121 yards and had a 55-yard run shortly before halftime negated by a holding call … Penalties twice put Independence in fourth-and-30 situations in the second half … Despite the constant rain, there were no lost fumbles in the game.

What's next: East Mecklenburg is home next on Friday against Butler; Independence travels to Porter Ridgeon Friday.

This story was originally published September 25, 2015 at 10:33 PM with the headline "Independence rolls over East Mecklenburg, 19-0."