Independence Pirates rally, stun Hutchinson Blue Dragons with game-winning touchdown with six seconds to go
Billy Watson
With less than 20 seconds to go in the game and the No. 13 Hutchinson Blue Dragons leading 28-24, the third-ranked Independence Pirates had a miracle.
Backup quarterback Tyriq Starks found receiver Deontay Wilson, who escaped five Blue Dragons and ran a foot race down the sideline for the go-ahead touchdown, rallying and defeating Hutchinson Community College 33-28 Saturday at Gowans Stadium.
The Blue Dragons led the Pirates 28-17 heading into the final quarter, but the Pirates climbed back and scored 19 unanswered points.
"It stings, it stings a lot," Blue Dragons head coach Drew Dallas said. "To end it like that, obviously we did not lose that football game on that play, but that's the one that lost us the game, if that makes any sense."
An interception and fumble recovery by Indy converted into two touchdowns, and Dallas said turnovers were the reason that derailed them in the game. Also, Starks was inserted into the game in the second half for Indy and found the spark the Pirates needed, throwing 15 for 22, 251 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson had all three scoring receptions from Starks, including the game-winner.
"The second possession that they had ate up a bunch of clock," Dallas said. "We were able to go down and score and answer that but just kept giving up explosive plays."
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The Blue Dragons are still aiming to return to Gowans Stadium during the KJCCC playoffs. The top four seeds in the league host a playoff game. The next and final two games of the season will be critical.
The Blue Dragons head on the road to Highland next Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff. The Scotties lost to the Butler Grizzlies 41-7 this past weekend.
"That's always a tough trip," Dallas said. "We got to do our best to keep things moving forward and find a way to rebound after this one. Who knows how it will all shake out in the playoffs, but the important thing is we go out and win the next one."
