Independence Beats Brentwood on Late Touchdown, Heads Back to State Title Game

BRENTWOOD, TN — Troy Henderson's two-yard dive with 45 seconds left gave Independence its only lead over homestanding Brentwood in Friday's 5A state semifinal, but it was enough to send the Eagles to the state championship game in Cookeville next week and extend Independence's win streak to 29 games.

Behind a three touchdown half from quarterback Kaiden Dreier — two passing and one rushing — the Bruins built a 21-7 halftime lead and led 24-14 heading into the fourth quarter. It was the first time Independence had trailed by two scores in the fourth quarter all season.

Quarterback Brandon Hines led a 69-yard drive capped by a nine-yard touchdown pass to Kendrell Scurry with 4:41 to bring the Eagles within three at 24-21. It was the second touchdown catch for Scurry, a sophomore University of Tennessee commitment, who finished with 10 catches for 93 yards.

The Eagles got a quick defensive stop and took over at their 27 with 2:34 left, setting up the winning drive.

Independence (14-0) will take on Farragut (13-1) at Cookeville's Tucker Stadium at 7 p.m. next Friday with a chance to win a second straight state title.