How the win over Summit secured Independence a spot in the playoffs

SPRING HILL — As the clock hit zero, a sea of fists rose into the air on the Independence sideline.

The Eagles simultaneously put their hands up and celebrated a 30-12 victory over Summit in a must-win game that secured Independence (3-7, 2-3) the final playoff spot in Region 6-6A. The Eagles will now face Stewarts Creek (9-1) in the first round of the TSSAA football playoffs on November 8th.

“It feels great,” Independence senior Eli Baumann said. “We completely turned it around. All we've been preaching all week is if we go out there and play as hard as we can and punch someone in the mouth, it's going to work. We’re just happy to be here.”

Independence started the season 0-6 and played one of the toughest schedules in Middle Tennessee, including Class 6A ranked No. 1 Ravenwood, No. 2 ranked Oakland and Class 5A ranked No. 1 Page.

The rocky start to the season put its 14th straight playoff appearance in jeopardy, but Independence leaned on the experience of its seniors to stay focused and keep a playoff spot still within reach.

“Everyone we played was good, but when you're 0-6 in the social media age, it's hard to focus on the coach when you hear all the noise out there,” Eagles said -Coach Scott Stidham. “So kudos to these seniors for their willingness…they kept showing up and kept working and I’m so happy for them.”

While it wasn't enough for the Eagles to clinch a playoff spot and extend the season another week, the victory was made all the sweeter given the bitter rivalry between the two schools. Summit (3-7, 1-4) missed the playoffs with the loss.

“Obviously it meant a lot to both schools and every year,” Stidham said. “I’m just so happy for our coaches and our kids…”

“I looked at the banner in the gym today and I think 2010 was the last time Indy didn't make the playoffs. I didn't tell the kids because I didn't think they needed the extra pressure… but we'll get it to put another year on that banner and next week we can practice.”

Harrison Campbell covers high school sports for The Daily Herald and The Tennessean. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X (formerly Twitter). @hccamp.

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