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Independence football coach disputes forfeiture.
Independence High School’s football program forfeited its season opener against James F. Byrnes on Friday night according to recent reports. Head coach Robert Williams disputes those claims.
He called the narrative “false” though he did not provide much detail on the expected outcome of the situation.
Independence travelled to South Carolina for its first game of the year, which was also Williams’ debut as head coach. The game was suspended due to lightning in the first half. Byrnes led 7-0.
The game was unable to restart on Friday night. It did not continue on Saturday, and reportedly, will not be finished on Monday, either.
A South Carolina High School League rule could award Byrnes the win.
North Carolina high school football team did not lose.
First game was weather delayed and eventually cancelled. Wasn’t an ideal first game as a HC, but on to next week! Corvian is on the clock!
— Robert Williams Jr. (@CoachRWilliams7) August 22, 2026
Williams posted the above message to social media on Friday after the initial game suspension. The note does not express any intention of continuing the game at a later date.
Independence High School is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Patriots travelled across the state line to Duncan, South Carolina for its season opener.
Duncan is positioned in Spartanburg County. The trip was about 100 miles, or about a two-hour bus ride.
Google Maps
A map showing the trip from Spartanburg, SC to Charlotte, NC.
Independence returned home at some point over the weekend. It did not attempt to finish the game on Saturday. It would seem likely that a discussion with Byrnes took place, and that it was mutually agreed upon. That may or may not have been the case.
Cole Bryson of The Fan Upstate radio show posted an update on Monday. He suggests that Byrnes will be awarded a win due to forfeiture. He referenced a South Carolina high school football rule in his reasoning.
According to Byrnes High School administration, Byrnes will be awarded the win over Independence following Friday night’s game, which was suspended due to lightning
According to SCHSL rules, when a game is suspended, one of three things must happen:
1) The game is resumed on Saturday or Monday.
2) Both teams agree that the game is final at the point it was stopped.
3) One team elects not to resume the game and accepts a forfeit.As of Sunday, Independence has declined to return Monday to complete the game. As a result, Byrnes will receive the Week 1 victory by forfeit.
Independence has elected to appeal the forfeit ruling to the NCHSAA.
Robert Williams disputes forfeiture claims.
Bryson says he was informed by Byrnes administration of the result. He was told that Independence has no desire to continue the game. As a result, it will lose.
Williams rejects that assertion. What exactly he’s referring to is unclear.
False
— Robert Williams Jr. (@CoachRWilliams7) August 24, 2026
Is he arguing the forfeiture? Is he disputing the insinuation that he was unwilling to continue the game? Will Independence return for a Monday contest?
At this point, we do not know. Regardless, Robert Williams does not believe that his team should receive a loss. Byrnes did not earn the win. Others in the Charlotte area agree.
Former West Charlotte head football coach Sam Greiner said, “That doesn’t make any sense,” in response to the alleged ruling. “How can you expect a team from North Carolina to travel over 75 miles again on a school night? The first night for school night.
“A North Carolina team does not follow those rules. This is a no contest until the game is made up. This makes zero sense.”
Game suspension rules could very well differ from state to state. North Carolina high school football teams may not adhere to the same guidelines as those in South Carolina.
Clearly, Robert Williams disagrees with the supposed ruling. He will not accept a forfeiture. Independence remains 0-0 when it takes on Corvian Community in Week 2.