Box Score The N.C. Wesleyan quarterbacks had their share of Ron McGriff on Saturday afternoon, as the sophomore defensive lineman led Maryville to a 31-17 win.
McGriff had two sacks and two quarterback hurries in the Bishops' final two drives, as the Trophy Club, Texas native helped to secure the two-touchdown win.
With the victory, the Scots currently sit atop the USA South standings with an unblemished 2-0 record. Averett is the only other conference school without a loss, as they hold a 1-0 mark. The Cougars' game against Methodist was forced to Sunday because of Hurricane Matthew.
On the afternoon, McGriff had a stellar performance. He had seven tackles, while two of those went for sacks for a total of 13 yards. McGriff tallied 2.5 tackles for loss (14 yards) and five quarterback hurries.
Maryville's defense had a stellar day, as MC posted three sacks and four tackles for loss. Cedric Brown had 10 tackles, as Blake Henderson tallied eight. Eddie Burton had seven tackles to match McGriff.
The key shift came in the third quarter, when Maryville recorded three interceptions. Pierre Chadwick, Ethan Williams and Jordan Early each recorded picks in the key USA South victory.
Offensively, the Scots saw Nick Myers go 17-for-30 for 251 yards. Elijah Chenier ran 10 times for 92 yards, as he scored a touchdown.
However, it was Trenton Shuler that stormed back on the scene on Saturday, producing 62 yards on 20 carries. The junior tailback scored three of Maryville's four touchdowns on the evening.
The Scots played a perfect game, not recording a single penalty. N.C. Wesleyan saw seven penalties for 46 yards.
Maryville struck first after an 11-play, 33-yard drive stalled at the 14-yard line. Alex Willard notched a 31-yard field goal to give the Scots a 3-0 lead with 9:43 left in the first quarter.
The Battling Bishops would strike back just two drives later. After gaining first-and-goal on the eight, the Scots saw McGriff deliver three straight stops, one going for a loss. N.C. Wesleyan settled for a 22-yard field goal from Christopher Richardson. The two teams were tied, 3-3, with 1:26 left in the opening period.
Maryville would put together a quick drive, going 89 yards in only four plays. A 47 yard pass from Myers to Mac Seagle was followed by a Myers-Logan Winders connection for 37 yards, before Shuler would finish it. He went the final three yards to give Maryville a 10-3 lead with 1:36 left in the half.
N.C. Wesleyan would even it, however, with just 7 seconds remaining.
The Battling Bishops covered 77 yards in five plays to knot the game a 10-all with before the break. Nathan Gardner connected with Jeremy Carr from 14 yards out for the score.
Shuler would rush the final yard of a five-play, 59-yard drive late in the third quarter. The drive was helped by a 42-yard pass from Myers to Seagle, before Shuler found his second touchdown of the day. Maryville would lead 17-10 with 6:16 left in the third quarter.
Chadwick would pick off Garnder for his third interception throw of the day with 5:32 showing. Chenier would complete a seven-play, 66-yard drive with a spinning 19-yard run. Maryville led 24-10 with 2:24 left in the third.
N.C. Wesleyan would cut the game to one score, after a 10-play, 36-yard drive. Gardner found Malik Adams across the middle for the 23-yard score. With 7:59 left in the game, it was Maryville 24, N.C. Wesleyan 17.
The Scots would send the final margin with just 4:40 remaining. Shuler would clean up a 7-play, 54-yard drive with a 1-yard score. It was helped by a 33-yard run from Chenier to give Maryville a 31-17 final.
The Scots will travel to Ferrum, Va. next Saturday, Oct. 15, as they take on USA South foe Ferrum College at 1 p.m.
