MARYVILLE, Tenn. – In front of a packed Homecoming crowd of 9,258 fans, Maryville College put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball to remain unbeaten, taking down Centre College 33–13 on Saturday afternoon at Lloyd Thornton Stadium.
The Scots (5-0, 20 CCS) showcased everything that makes small-college football special — from a roaring atmosphere and blue skies to a balanced, disciplined team effort that head coach Ben Fox called "the very best of what small college football can be."
"This place is really special," Fox said. "Anybody that was here today — from Centre, from Maryville, recruits, fans, alums — they saw the very best of what small college football can be. It was full stands, three deep around the field, tents everywhere since Monday. Everybody worked so hard to make this event what it was. I hope people realize how special it is, because it's not lost on our team."
Offensive Balance Leads the Way
Quarterback Bryson Rollins was once again sharp, completing 22-of-33 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The junior connected twice with Steph Carter Jr. for scores of 18 and 19 yards, giving the Scots an early rhythm through the air.
Senior running back Chris Cooper took over in the second half, punching in a one-yard score before breaking loose for a 66-yard touchdown to put Maryville ahead 27–13 midway through the fourth quarter. Cooper finished with 83 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
Maryville outgained Centre 419–304 overall, averaging nearly seven yards per play.
Defensive Playmakers Seal the Deal
On defense, the Scots kept pressure on the Colonels' backfield all afternoon. Chuck Hammack, Jacob Berven, and Seth Carter combined for three sacks, while the secondary made two key interceptions — including a game-sealing pick-six by Jacquese Abner in the final minutes.
Abner's 32-yard return punctuated a standout day in which he also blocked a field goal earlier in the fourth quarter to halt a Centre scoring chance.
Ethan Ford also shined in the special teams game, punting five times for an average of 39.8 yards, including a 59-yard bomb that flipped field position in the third quarter.
Complete Team Effort
Maryville's defense held Centre to just 30 rushing yards on 23 attempts and forced two turnovers, while the Scots' offense sustained drives and controlled the clock for nearly 31 minutes.
The Scots sit atop the SAA standings at 2-0 in conference play and 5-0 overall, matching their best start since1977, while outscoring opponents 73-20 over their last two games.
Up Next
Maryville will look to keep its perfect record intact next Saturday when the Scots travel to Jackson, Miss. to face Millsaps.
