Box Score Scots Blitz Greensboro, Climb to 4-4 in League
Photos courtesy Suzi Carroll
MARYVILLE – Four plays from the 1 gained nothing, and then one play from the 1 went the distance. Such were the football fortunes of Greensboro and Maryville here on Saturday at Honaker Field.
One play after the Scots held Greensboro scoreless on four straight attempts from the 1-yard line, Maryville's Cody Estep went 99 yards on his first carry of the game and the Scots were off to the races.
They didn't stop until Maryville had a 49-14 victory that capped the Scots 2021 season at 4-6 overall and 4-4 in the USA South. Not bad after an 0-4 September.
Estep's house call was possible only after the Maryville defense held firm from the 1-yard line. Greensboro's Austin Longworth intercepted a deflected pass and returned it 9 yards to the 1. The Pride (0-10, 0-8 USA South) attempted two passes and then two runs, all to no avail.
Maryville took over and promptly handed the ball to Estep, who scampered up the middle and then broke toward the right sideline virtually untouched until he reached pay dirt.
Estep went on to carry 18 times for a career-high 188 yards and two scores. Of course, the 99-yard touchdown run ties a program record because, well, it ties a football record. Ninety-nine yards is the max!
The Scots as a team rushed 55 times for 340 yards and four touchdowns. Maryville as a team lost three fumbles and threw two interceptions and still led this one from start to finish.
Hail Mary Before Half
Nelson Smith attempted just eight passes but completed six for 116 yards and two touchdowns. The second one was a 34-yard, tipped-ball-drill highlight catch by Trystin Wright in the end zone as the halftime horn sounded. It's one of the last things the team works on during Friday walk-through practices, and this time is paid off.
Wright caught two passes in the game and both went for touchdowns.
Trevor Thomas threw for a score and ran for another as he accounted for 86 total yards.
Hunter Burke was the leading Maryville receiver with four catches for 74 yards and a 25-yard TD reception. Tevin Thrower came off the bench and scored the final Scots TD on a 1-yard plunge.
First-year Scot Grant Henderson led the team in tackles with nine and returned an interception 17 yards for the first pick of his debut season. Haydn Tanner also had a 17-yard interception return and Colby Manis picked off a pass as well. Bo Hering in his final game for the Scots posted five solo tackles.
Maryville before the game honored its 18 seniors. The athletics department also recognized senior members of the dance and cheer teams, as well as a Veterans Day salute with the Volunteer State Honor Guard and Field of Honor.
