Independence Holds Off Brentwood's Upset Bid 21-20

THOMPSON'S STATION, TN — After losing key players from last season's state championship team at nearly every skill position to graduation, a title defense for the Independence Eagles never looked easy.

And the visiting Brentwood Bruins gave the Eagles a taste of just how hard repeating can be, giving homestanding Independence all it could handle in Friday night's cross-county battle.

Ultimately, Independence found a way with an assist from a shanked Bruins punt that gave Independence excellent field position at the Brentwood 14, leading to Troy Henderson's third touchdown of the night with 5:10 left to end the Bruins' upset bid and securing the 21-20 win.

Henderson's first two touchdown, one on the ground and one receiving, gave the Eagles an early 14-0 lead, and it seemed as though Independence would have an easy-going season-opener. But Brentwood, which punted four times in the first quarter, stormed back. First-time starter Carson Shacklett, a junior quarterback, cut the lead in half with a 21-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Will Leone midway through the second frame and squared the score with a 7-yard touchdown run late in the first half.

Shacklett gave the Bruins a lead with a pass to tight end Christian LeBreche at 6:27 in the third.

Scores from around Williamson County

Brentwood Academy 42, Olive Branch (Miss.) 14
BGA 21, Goodpasture 14
Centennial 28, Franklin 24
Ravenwood 23, Siegel 19 (Thur.)
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