The McClintock Chargers’ running game bested the Independence Patriots, finishing the Class 5A non-region game with a 57-10 victory.

“We came in just running the ball,” senior running back Tyrese Green said. “That was our goal, and that was our mind-set.”

With Green leading the way for McClintock (2-2), the run game was quickly established, resulting in five rushing touchdowns in the game.  

“We knew we could run it,” McClintock coach Corbin Smith said. “It was working. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Heading into halftime with a 35-0 lead, the Chargers still had concerns about the third quarter.

“Last game we started to fall apart in the second half,” junior wide receiver Will Roberts said. “This week in the fourth quarter, we really came back. Our energy was better.”

There will still some troubling plays for McClintock in the third quarter, resulting in a touchdown for Independence (0-4). Recovering a bad snap on a field-goal attempt, Independence lit up its side of the score board for the first time in the night.

“These kids haven’t been up like that before at halftime,” Smith said. “They need to learn to come out and stay focused. They lost focus, and we told them.”

Despite the Patriots’ power in the third quarter, the team was only able to add three more points in the game with a field goal early in the fourth.

Balancing the strong Charger offense was a wall of defense. Forcing multiple turnovers on downs, McClintock’s defense helped pull the team’s focus back in the second half, allowing the offense to regain its footing.

“It was our linemen,” Green said. “Last game was a struggle with blocking. It was way better this week.”

Although touchdowns were the trend of the game, penalties came in an equal abundance.  Smith noted that the Chargers still need work with discipline and execution, but there has been major improvement in the season.