The Independence Pirates earned their first KJCCC win of the season on Saturday against Highland, in large part thanks to the efforts of sophomore receiver Ejani Shakir, who was named the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week.

 

Shakir caught the team's first touchdown of the afternoon, a 9-yard pass in the first quarter to give the Pirates a 9-0 lead. Shakir would add another touchdown in the second quarter, breaking a tackle and racing for an 87-yard score to push the ICC lead to 19.

 

Shakir finished the game with four catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore out of New Jersey leads the team in receptions (23), receiving yards (497), and receiving touchdowns (5). His five touchdown catches are also Top 3 in the conference.

 

Shakir and the Pirates travel to Garden City this week, and take on the nationally ranked Broncbusters on Saturday.