For one half of its 24-21 victory over Myers Park at Bank of America Stadium, Independence looked a lot like the nationally ranked version of the Patriots that dominated NC football from 2000-08.

But in a second quarter marked by penalties and poor execution, the Patriots had to hold on to stop a Myers Park team that was regaining its footing.

Independence, No. 3 in the Observer’s preseason poll of the season’s top 16 players, scored two touchdowns just 30 seconds into the game – a 41-yard pass from quarterback Justin Little and a 39-yard run from Jayden Jones.

The defense looked fast and aggressive. No. 10 Myers Park (0-1) managed just eight yards on its first three possessions, and Independence continued to score quickly, as did the Patriots as QB Chris Leak — the best Charlotte player of the last 40 years — led Independence from win to win.

Jones completed two 80-yard runs and scored a touchdown for a 17-0 lead. The next possession consisted of two more plays that ended with Little’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Travis Hill for a 24-0 lead.

The only thing that really went wrong were the penalties. One of them resulted in a Jones touchdown being taken back that could have extended the lead to 31-0. Independence suffered about 100 yards of penalties in the first half. That trend continued in the second half.

Then it was Myers Park’s turn. Quarterback Jared Lockhart, who had been limited to 22 total yards in the second half, was given time to pass and Myers Park’s size advantage paid off.

While Independence’s offense struggled and failed to score in the final two quarters, two consecutive touchdowns by Myers Park cut the Patriots’ lead to 24-14. After another defensive stop, Myers Park again got into Independence territory with less than six minutes to play.

Lockhart hit MA Skanes with 5:05 left on a 42-yard touchdown pass on a 4th and 13 play that cut the lead to 24-21.

Myers Park then forced a punt from Independence and got the ball at the 18-yard line with 2:06 minutes left.

With 28 seconds left, the Mustangs stormed to Independence’s 27-yard line. Lockhart threw the ball into the end zone and Independence’s Tre’jaon Garners intercepted it with 19 seconds left.

Three people who made the difference

Jayden Jones, Independence: A year ago, Jones was one of the most successful sophomore running backs in the country, rushing for 1,830 yards and 19 touchdowns. In the first half, he ran nine times for 172 yards and two touchdowns, and had another called back.

Justin Little, Independence: Showing a strong arm and good accuracy, Little often found opponents when the rush came at Myers Park. He also threw a few nice passes over the middle, an area he didn’t throw to often a year ago.

Jared Lockhart, Myers Park: The Mustangs’ new quarterback struggled in the first half but dominated the second half and nearly led his team to a comeback victory.

Remarkable

▪ Prominent pregame captains included former All-American Hakeem Nicks of Independence and former Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn for Myers Park.

▪ Independence won the game thanks to a smart call by coach DJ McFadden in the second quarter. Running back Jayden Jones had just scored a 50-yard touchdown to take a 17-0 lead. Myers Park was penalized 15 yards before kickoff, allowing Independence to kick from Myers Park’s 45-yard line.

McFadden assumed the Mustangs would retreat on the kickoff, probably for a touchback. Instead, kicker Lyric Kopera dribbled an onside kick that went 13 yards – and he recovered it. Two plays later, Justin Little hit Travis Hill completely free on the right side for a 24-point lead.

▪ Kopera had a nice game, and not just because of the onside kick. He made a 38-yard field goal in the first half that would have been good from much further away, and he consistently kicked the ball out of the end zone on kickoffs.

▪ Myers Park scored its first points midway through the third quarter when quarterback Jared Lockhart ran right and hit Chaz Portis with a perfect 49-yard pass. Throughout the game, Lockhart continued to evade the Patriots’ defensive tackle, and this was the first time he made Independence pay for it. His great play cut the Patriots’ lead to 24-7.

Game summary

Myers Park 0 0 7 14 – 21

independence 10 14 0 0 – 24

FIRST QUARTER

I: Jayden Jones 39 run (Lyric Kopera kicks)

I: FG Kopera 38

SECOND QUARTER

I: Jones 50 run (Kopera kick)

I: Travis Hill 23 Pass from Justin Little (Kopera kick)

THIRD QUARTER

Member of Parliament: Chaz Portis 49 Pass from Jared Lockhart (kick from James Remsen)

FOURTH QUARTER

Member of Parliament: RJ Alexander 3 run (Remsen Kick)

Member of Parliament: MA Skanes 52 Pass from Lockhart (Remsen kick)