SHORT GAP, W.Va. — Independence quarterback Brock Green orchestrated a dominant offensive performance on Friday night, leading the Patriots (6-2) to a 49-14 victory over the Falcons (8-1) at Frankfort Stadium and snapping Frankfort’s area-record 36-game win streak.
The loss is Frankfort’s first since November 10, 2023, when they suffered a 23-21 defeat against Weir in the Class AA playoff opening round. It also introduces an unfamiliar challenge: enduring a running clock, a rare occurrence not experienced by the Falcons since a 36-0 defeat against Mountain Ridge on September 30, 2022.
Green finished the night completing 13 of 16 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding two rushing scores. Independence outgained Frankfort 458 to 263 in total offense, utilizing explosive plays and team speed to dismantle the Falcons’ defense.
We lost to a very good football team,
Frankfort head coach Kevin Whiteman said. We gave up a lot of big plays. I’m proud of the kids though. We battled, we kept battling, we didn’t roll over, so that’s a good sign. I just told them we gotta let this sting for a little bit overnight, and then we gotta let it go.
How Independence Overwhelmed the Falcons
The visiting Patriots struck first on Friday when David Steele ran it in from two yards out to cap a 2:35 opening drive, followed by the first of seven successful point-after kicks by Micah Cuthbert. Frankfort responded with a methodical, 15-play, 78-yard drive that spanned into the second quarter, ending with a two-yard touchdown run by Jake Snurr to knot the score at 7-7.
MetroNews broadcast highlights: Independence ends Frankfort's 36-game winning streak, 49-14: https://t.co/Zm5SvnJN97#wvprepfb pic.twitter.com/ReLV8PoYz8
From there, Green and the Independence offense took control. Green engineered quick strikes through the air before rushing for a five-yard touchdown. After forcing a Frankfort turnover on downs, Green immediately connected with Carson Treadway for an 85-yard catch-and-run touchdown on the very next play. Independence built a commanding 28-7 halftime advantage following an 11-yard scoring strike from Green to KJ Viars.
Viars finished with 7 receptions for 133 yards, while Treadway hauled in 3 catches for 114 yards. Independence tailback Paxton Myers contributed 94 yards rushing to anchor the ground game.
Frankfort played without their starting quarterback, Austin Twigg, and starting fullback, Cole Shanholtz, who went out with an injury on Frankfort’s first play from scrimmage against Wahama last Saturday. Filling in for Shanholtz, Snurr paced the Frankfort backfield with 72 yards on 15 carries, while Braydn Tyler chipped in 46 yards on nine rushes. Despite trailing by 21 points in the second half, the Falcons flashed defensive resilience when Antonio Ottaviani intercepted a pass at the Falcon 9.
However, Independence continued to capitalize on big plays in the second half. Green connected with Konner James on a 45-yard touchdown pass, and Jacob Grimmett added an eight-yard scoring run with 4:22 remaining to put the running clock in effect.
We knew that they had the capability of making big plays, and that’s pretty much what it was,
Whiteman said. They have a lot of team speed and we struggled to keep up with it. They just killed us with a lot of big plays.
Rivalry Focus and the Mineral Bowl Ahead
Despite the end of the 36-game streak, Whiteman praised the collective effort built over years of sustained success by the players, coaches, and local community.
I’m very proud to be a part of the streak,
Whiteman said. To win 36 games in a row is very, very difficult to do. Proud of the kids, the coaches, the community. It was a blessing to be able to do what we did. That streak’s over, but Frankfort football’s always been a great success, great tradition, and it’s gonna continue for years to come.
Looking ahead, Whiteman confirmed that Twigg will return next week, though no timetable for Shanholtz has been established.
The Falcons will turn their attention toward a cross-county rivalry clash, hosting Keyser in the Mineral Bowl. Frankfort has won five straight against its cross-county rival.
It’s our biggest game,
Whiteman said. It’s our rivalry game. It’s gonna be a big night, it’s gonna be a fun night here at Frankfort Stadium. The kids will bounce back Monday and be ready for the Mineral Bowl for sure.
