MARYVILLE – That one hurt.
Maryville saw its three-game winning streak crash to an end here Saturday in a 24-21 Senior Day loss to Brevard. The Tornados struck for three home-run plays to offset a three-TD performance from Maryville's
Cody Estep.
Stamati Damalos provided the winning edge for the visitors when he nailed a 42-yard field goal midway in the fourth quarter.
After Maryville scored first on Estep's initial score late in the opening quarter, Brevard answered when quarterback Dalton Cole found Zackary Orr all alone for a 43-yard touchdown pass. It was the only time all afternoon that Cole threw in Orr's direction.
The score was 7-7 at the half.
Brevard forced a Maryville three-and-out to begin the third quarter before taking the lead. It was another lightning-strike play as Cole this time found tight end Jaden O'Leary in the clear for 47 yards and a 14-7 advantage.
Long Drive For Six
The Scots answered with an impressive drive, going 81 yards in 13 plays before Estep barreled in from the 3 to knot the score at 14-all.
Brevard's Chancellor Lee-Parker was a difference-maker in the second half, rushing for 112 of his 139 yards after intermission. The junior running back put the Tornados in front for keeps when he split the middle of the Maryville line and went 42 yards to pay dirt with 12:29 remaining.
Three consecutive Brevard sacks of Maryville QB
Bryson Rollins on the ensuing possession pushed the Scots deep into their own territory. Brevard took advantage of the change of field position, and four plays later Damalos knocked home his 42-yard field goal with 8:11 showing.
Maryville again drove 58 yards in 10 plays to reach the Brevard red zone. But on fourth-and-2 at the Brevard 8, the Tornados stoned Estep for a 1-yard gain and the chance went awry.
Brock Skelton blocked a Tornados punt and the Scots recovered at the Brevard 14. Four plays later, Estep scored his third touchdown of the day to narrow the margin to 24-21 with just 1:07 to play.
The Scots tried an onside kick, but O'Leary was on the spot for the recovery and Brevard ran out the clock to improve to 4-4 overall and 4-1 in the USA South. The Scots are now 4-5 and 4-2.
Big Day for MC's Big Back
Estep on Senior Day rushed 19 times for 86 yards and the three touchdowns – just missing Maryville's program record of four that he tied last season against LaGrange. Estep also caught four passes for another 26 yards. Senior
Hunter Burke matched his career high with five receptions, accounting for 49 yards.
Rollins finished 19-of-31 for 168 yards but was sacked five times. His counterpart, Cole, was just 9-of-16 for 133 yards but had the two big touchdown passes. Those plays of 43 and 47 yards accounted for two-thirds of the lefthander's passing yards in the game.
On defense, Maryville's
Cameron Spivey led all tacklers with nine.
Kial Cottingham,
Justin King,
Tyler Bost and
Jacob Berven all added seven for the Scots, while Toby Naylor with seven was the Brevard leader. Maryville did not register a single sack of Cole, although
Anthony Green did pick off a first-half pass. It was Green's team-leading second interception of the season.
Before Saturday's game, the Maryville football program honored its 11 seniors.
The Scots have a bye week ahead and then finish the season Nov. 12 at Belhaven (7-1, 5-1 USA South). Kickoff is noon Central time from Jackson, Mississippi.
