The Independence Pirates begin their quest for a Jayhawk Conference championship, opening the season at home this weekend.

 

ICC is led by third year head coach Keith Donerson, and are looking for a bounce back season, after a 3-8 season in 2024, with just one conference win. Donerson says there are exciting players on offense for the Pirates this year.

 

The Pirates had a number of close losses last season, falling in overtime to Trinity Valley, and also dropping close contests to Iowa Western, Dodge City, and Iowa Central. Donerson says the key is to flip close losses into close wins.

 

Independence is the only team in the conference to have games scheduled in each of the first three weeks of the season, opening with Trinity Valley, before traveling to Ellsworth and NEO. Donerson says establishing momentum early is crucial.

 

ICC hosts the Trinity Valley Cardinals this weekend, with kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday.