MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Maryville College set the tone from the opening snap and never let up Saturday, turning an interception into a touchdown on Sewanee's first offensive play before powering its way to a 51-13 victory at Lloyd L. Thornton Stadium. The Scots scored 28 points in the first quarter, produced 452 yards of total offense and turned in a dominant performance on both sides of the ball to remain unbeaten in Southern Athletic Association play.
An Instant Spark
The Scots wasted no time making their presence felt. On Sewanee's first offensive play, Knox Kremblas intercepted a pass from Maddox Franklin and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. Alex Wein connected with the pass on the two-point conversion, giving Maryville an immediate 8-0 advantage.
Maryville's offense quickly followed the defense's lead. After the Scots forced another stop, quarterback Jaxon Dabrowski broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run at the 10:22 mark of the first quarter. Jackson White's extra point extended the lead to 15-0.
The Scots continued to apply pressure, with DaRell Brown punching in a 1-yard rushing touchdown at 7:23 to make it 22-0. Sewanee answered with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Na'Shawn Holman, but Maryville responded once again. Dabrowski connected with Jalen McCullough on an 18-yard touchdown pass with 3:16 remaining in the opening quarter, capping a high-scoring period for the Scots.
Maryville carried a 28-7 lead into the second quarter and continued to build on its advantage. With 2:56 remaining before halftime, Dabrowski found Zae Richardson for a 20-yard touchdown, pushing the Scots' lead to 35-7.
Ground Game Takes Over
Maryville's offense continued to find success after the break, particularly on the ground. The Scots finished with 298 rushing yards on 55 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt and scoring four rushing touchdowns.
Mushaba Zulu provided one of the afternoon's biggest offensive plays early in the third quarter, breaking loose for a 45-yard touchdown run at the 13:14 mark. White's extra point made it 42-7, giving Maryville another explosive scoring play and further extending the lead.
The Scots added to their advantage early in the fourth quarter when Tylan Kraskouskas powered into the end zone from 4 yards out with 12:03 remaining. The touchdown capped an extended drive and pushed Maryville ahead 49-7.
Through the air, Maryville completed 12 of 24 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Dabrowski directed the attack, contributing both as a passer and a runner while helping the Scots maintain possession and keep Sewanee's defense under pressure.
Defense Sets the Tone
While Maryville's offense supplied plenty of fireworks, the defense was just as important to the result. Kremblas' opening-play pick-six immediately put the Scots in control, and the unit continued to limit Sewanee's opportunities throughout the afternoon.
Maryville held the Tigers to 259 total yards, including just 33 rushing yards, and allowed only 11 first downs. Sewanee converted just two of 11 third-down attempts, repeatedly struggling to sustain drives against the Scots' defense.
The defensive front also created pressure in the backfield. Gaven Aldridge recorded a sack that forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter, with Wyatt DeRoche recovering for Maryville. The takeaway helped cap a strong defensive performance that complemented the offense's production.
Sewanee added a fourth-quarter touchdown on a 26-yard pass to Trevon Garden, but Maryville maintained a comfortable lead through the final minutes.
A Complete Team Effort
Maryville finished with 22 first downs and controlled possession for 38 minutes, 24 seconds. The Scots converted four of five fourth-down attempts and generated points through explosive plays, sustained drives and defensive pressure.
The 51-point performance marked a strong all-around showing for a Maryville team that continued to build momentum in conference play. The Scots improved to 3-3 overall and 3-0 in the SAA, using a fast start and consistent execution to secure a decisive victory over Sewanee.
Next up: Maryville returns to action next week as the Scots continue their Southern Athletic Association schedule with a trip to #8 Trinity. Visit MCScots.com for the latest schedule and game information.