Coming off the bye, the Dodge City football team loaded up to take their final road trip of the season as they traveled to Independence to take on the Pirates, and the matchup would prove to be a defensive battle.
The Conquistadors, despite scoring first, would surrender the game's lone touchdown in the fourth quarter and fall 6-3 to Independence. With the loss, the Conqs fall to 1-7 on the season and 1-3 in KJCCC action.
After quick first drives for both teams, the Conqs would secure a short field off an
Andre Allen Jr. interception, setting up the Conqs on the Independence 27-yard line. The Conqs were unable to advance much but settled in for a 38-yard field goal attempt, and
Eduardo Solis, in his debut for the Conqs, would give them the 3-0 lead with 6:38 remaining in the first quarter. The 3-0 lead would hold up throughout the rest of the first half as Independence threatened to get on the board but missed three field goals from 40, 26, and 44 yards.
To open the second half, the Conqs would work into Pirate territory but turn the ball over on downs. Independence countered on the next drive, working into the redzone and on second and goal,
Jamari Mosley would pick off a Pirates pass in the endzone, ending their scoring threat to keep the contest at a 3-0 Conq lead. The Conqs would get another interception from
Tavarez Edwards, setting up another short field, and would attempt a 36-yard field goal, but it hit the upright. Early in the fourth quarter, Independence found its way into the endzone with a nine-yard rushing score but missed the extra point, making it 6-3 with 12:10 remaining. The Conqs would attempt a 33-yard field goal on the next drive to tie the game, but it was blocked. Ultimately, the Conqs would have just one more drive, and it would end on an interception, securing the game for the Pirates at 6-3.
Conqs' defense held Independence to just 252 total yards and had three interceptions as Mosley, Edwards, and Allen Jr. each intercepted a pass.
Anthony Mattison tallied eight tackles with two sacks, while
Corion Powers recorded six tackles.
Offensively,
Derick Shanks Jr. accounted for a significant amount of the Conqs' yards, rushing for 98 yards on 21 carries.
Krishon Lett caught five passes of the Conqs' eight completions for 63 yards.
Two games remain in the season as the Conqs will be at home for the remainder of the 2025 season, taking on Coffeyville next on Saturday, November 8th, with a 1:00 pm kick. The homecoming celebration will take place at the game.
