Independence knocks out Watauga in third round of 4A playoffs with 34-14 road win

BOONE — Independence High ended Watauga’s impressive 2023 football season with a 34-14 road win in the third round of the 4A playoffs on Friday. The Patriots improved to 10-3 while WHS wrapped up the year with a 12-1 record. The Patriots led 21-7 at halftime; Watauga scored first when 6-foot-3, 215-pound wing back Morgan Henry caught a 31-yard touchdown pass on a slant from junior quarterback Maddox Greene (5-8, 160 pounds).