INDEPENDENCE – It was like boxers exchanging blows in a title bout as West Feliciana and Independence battled in an offensive showdown Friday.

West Feliciana quarterback Dennis Bell connected with Greg Freeman for a 9-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to pull the Saints close, but a missed extra point proved to be the difference as the Saints fell 28-27 at Independence.

The Saints took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Jalen Baker scored from three yards out and Dane Denham added the extra point on the opening drive of the game.

Independence then grabbed a 14-7 lead as Shannon Cage (14 for 75 yards) scored on runs of 8-and 5-yards and PATs by Jonathan Cervantez.

After an interception to stop the Tigers deep in West Feliciana territory, Bell scored on a 26-yard run in the second quarter as the Saints tied the game 14-14 at intermission.

The battle for the upper hand continued in the third period when Independence’s Miguel Toefield scored on a 3-yard run as the Tigers led 21-14.

West Feliciana responded with a 4-yard pass from Bell to Jazz Ferguson and Denham’s kick tied the game at 21-21.

Toefield (17 carries for 108 yards) scored his second touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run and Cervantes’ PAT gave the Tigers a 28-21 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Saints finished a balanced offensive attack with 125 yards rushing and 106 yards passing, but two critical interceptions including one late in the game thwarted a comeback for West Feliciana.

Independence rushed for 252 yards on the ground with just 87 yards in the air against the Saints.

West Feliciana (2-1) entertains Marksville (2-1) this week.