Dodge City football continued to find ways to put together a winning recipe on the gridiron as they snatched up a 23-20 victory over Independence in the final home game of the season. 

The Conquistadors established the lead early and held off the Pirates of Independence for the win, moving to 6-2 on the season and 5-0 at home after also getting credited a forfeit win over Garden City. The Conqs are now 3-1 in KJCCC action with two games remaining in the regular season. The victory also marks the 39th over Independence in the all-time series. 

Both teams' defenses would be on point early as the offenses struggled to find consistency throughout the first quarter, and the game was scoreless after one frame. Early in the second quarter, the Conqs would put together an eight-play drive covering 67 yards to take the lead on a 13-yard touchdown run by Kerya Powell. After Independence turned the ball over on downs the Conqs would score again covering 60 yards on eight plays as Stone Wilson capped the drive with a 22-yard touchdown run and the Conqs led 14-0. The lead grew to 20-0 after the Conqs defense came up with their first touchdown of the season as Micah Wing forced a fumble that Kaleb Pillow picked up and ran back 31 yards for a touchdown. The Pirates answered back with a long 14-play drive, but it would ultimately stall out in the red zone and Independence once again turned the ball over on downs. In the fourth quarter, Pillow would snag an interception and the Conqs would score eight plays later on a 32-yard field goal by Emanuel Aguilar to lead 23-0. Independence would answer by scoring on their final three drives of the contest, but the Conqs held them off enough to secure the 23-20 win. 

While the Conqs were outgained 385 and 158 total yards, the Conqs took advantage of three Pirates turnovers in the contest. 

On defense, the Conqs had a trio of double-figure tackles led by Noah Williams who had 12 tackles, while Sam Brooks added 11 tackles. Pillow had a standout performance recording 10 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery which he returned for a touchdown. Anthony Mattison also recorded eight tackles and two sacks, while Amarian Louis had an interception. 

Offensively, Derick Shanks Jr. ran for 50 yards on 11 carries, while Wilson added 49 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Akim Lanieux was the top target in the passing game with four catches for 36 yards. 

The Conqs will travel to Coffeyville on Saturday, November 2nd to take on the Red Ravens in a KJCCC contest with a 1:00 pm kickoff.