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Oakland rides stable of backs in blowout over Independence




Oakland running back Xavier Myers (26) runs in his third touchdown of the game as the Patriots beat Independence 46-7. MICHAEL GALLAGHER

Oakland running back Xavier Myers (26) runs in his third touchdown of the game as the Patriots beat Independence 46-7. MICHAEL GALLAGHER

THOMPSON’S STATION — It was billed as the Game of the Week on paper. However, on the field, it was never even close as the Oakland Patriots torched the Independence Eagles 46-7 on Friday night.

“I think we did pretty good,” Oakland running back Xavier Myers said. “There are a lot of things we should work on, but overall, I think our game plan was pretty excellent. I think the coaches did a good job of preparing us this week. We did our jobs and we just need to prepare for Maryville next week.”

The Patriots only needed 38 seconds to take a 7-0 lead when tailback Justin Jefferson burst through the Independence defense and took it 80 yards to pay dirt. Oakland extended that lead to 13-0 on its next drive when Mookie Wilson punched it in from 2 yards out.

A little over a minute later, Oakland took a 20-0 lead when Xavier Myers ran in an 11-yard touchdown, marking him the third different running back to score for the Patriots.

“I think we’re one of the best running back groups in the state,” Myers said. “There’s a lot we need to work on, but overall, I think we’re pretty good.”

Myers wasn’t done just yet. He later added touchdown runs of 8 and 36 yards, and Jalen Locklayer, who traditionally plays safety, also added a rushing touchdown. Oklahoma commit Woodi Washington threw in a 50-yard punt return touchdown to boot.

“Our offensive line has a ways to go,” Oakland coach Kevin Creasy said. “We’ve got a guy that’s injured right now that started for us last year in Ethan Ellis. So, getting some sophomores in and getting them some experience is pretty good for us down the road. I think week-to-week, we’ve just got to get better.”

“I think I mesh (with the team) pretty well,” Myers added. “There’s still some bonding that we need to do and I think if we get that straight, we can go to state with that.”

For as many points as the offense scored, the defense was even better. Independence averaged 24.5 points per game last year and is led by Idaho commit Nathan Cisco at quarterback and Purdue commit T.J. Sheffield at receiver.

Washington held Sheffield in check most of the night, limiting the talented wideout to just three receptions for 21 yards. When the Eagles tried the other side, D’Arre McDonald made them pay with an interception.

“Defense is our strength; it always is and probably always will be,” Creasy said. “We have so much speed on our side of the ball on defense. It’s going to be tough for a lot of people to put up points on our defense. We’re a little banged up right now, so if we ever get full-strength, I think we have a chance to be really special on defense.”

Late in the first half, South Carolina commit Joseph Anderson injured his arm and missed the rest of the game. Creasy said he will have an X-ray on Saturday and his status would be updated after.

Oakland makes the long trip to Maryville next week for a rematch of last year’s state semifinal game, which Maryville won 31-28 en route to a state championship.

“I’m pretty excited,” Myers said. “I want to show them what I can do and show Oakland that we can beat Maryville.”

“It is a great game for our fans and it’s a big game for both programs,” Creasy added. “What they’ve accomplished over the years is amazing, especially on their home field, so we’re excited to get the opportunity to play those guys in such a wonderful environment because it makes this job and playing all these tough practices worth it.”

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