Smyrna football defense steps up, but Independence slips by with first-round win

SMYRNA — Independence brought a 2,000-yard passer, two highly recruited wide receivers and one of the area's top running backs into Robert L. Raikes Stadium Friday.

But Smyrna's defense was up to the challenge in the first round of the Class 6A state football playoffs.

The performance of the Bulldog defense makes the 14-13 loss to the Eagles that much more disappointing.

"It hurts," said Smyrna senior cornerback Lennon Harris III, who was huge in slowing down Independence receivers T.J. Sheffield and Kendrell Scurry all night. "But, you can't control what happens on the other side of the ball.

"We held our own with them, but it wasn't good enough."

Smyrna (7-4) gave Independence (6-5) problems all night, collecting four sacks and an interception in the first half as the Bulldogs led 10-7 at the break.

The Bulldog defense continued its mastery in the second half until the Eagles were able to drive 62 yards and score the go-ahead touchdown with 2:48 left.

"We played very hard," said Smyrna junior defensive tackle Marlon Alexander, who had two first-half sacks. "We were stunting, and that helped us put more pressure on them up front."

Independence entered the game with a propensity for mistakes, and Smyrna forced two miscues, including a first-half interception by safety Dyvonte McCormick and a fumble recovery by Cameron Miller on a punt that bounced backward and hit off an Eagle player early in the third.

Smyrna also forced a turnover on downs midway through the fourth quarter and drove to the Independence 31, but an Eagle interception prevented Smyrna from going up by two scores.

"Both (defenses played well) ... absolutely," said Independence coach Scott Blade, whose squad advanced to play No. 1 seed Ravenwood in the second round.

"Both squads made it hard on the offenses. Both were bend-but-don't-break, but in the end we had one more point. It could have gone either way."

Smyrna was able to muster just one field goal in the second half. After falling behind late, the Bulldogs got near midfield but failed on a fourth-and-2 conversion when a run play got stuffed at the line of scrimmage.

"I'm proud of this team and proud of the seniors," Smyrna coach Matt Williams said. "They accomplished more than people thought. 

"(Independence) had a lot of weapons. Our defense played very well. To only allow 14 points, you expect to win. Things just didn't happen."

Game highlights: Smyrna quarterback Alex Bannister was 19-of-31 for 209 yards, a TD and an interception. Junior tailback Blake Watkins rushed 18 times for 90 yards. Jose Baeza hit two field goals (37, 30) for the Bulldogs.

Independence's Nathan Cisco was 10-of-20 for 123 yards, a TD and an interception. Troy Hendersonville had 16 carries for 90 yards, including the game-winner out of the Wildcat formation.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.