DANVILLE, Ky. – Maryville football had to wait an extra period Saturday night, but the Scots found the answer when they needed it most.

Mushaba Zulu took the opening play of overtime 25 yards to the end zone, lifting Maryville to a thrilling 27-21 victory over Centre at Joe McDaniel Field at Andy Frye Stadium. The win moves the Scots to 2-3 overall and 2-0 in Southern Athletic Association play.

Zulu Sets the Tone

Centre struck first after recovering a Maryville fumble on the Scots' opening possession, driving 16 yards for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.

Maryville answered immediately.

Zulu broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run on the Scots' next possession, covering 83 yards in just three plays to tie the game at 7-7 with 9:55 left in the opening quarter.

The Scots then turned a Centre interception into points. After Teddy Orton's interception gave Maryville possession at the Centre 8-yard line, Jaxon Dabrowski found Jaden Marlin for an 11-yard touchdown just two plays later.

Just like that, Maryville had turned a seven-point deficit into a 14-7 advantage.

Zulu was the centerpiece of the Maryville ground game throughout the night, carrying 21 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns while adding two receptions for 24 yards. His 54-yard touchdown was the longest play of the game for either team.

Centre Finds a Way Back

The Scots carried the 14-7 advantage into halftime and held Centre scoreless through the second and third quarters.

Maryville appeared to have control when Dabrowski capped an 86-yard, 11-play drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 11:57 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Colonels, however, weren't finished.

Centre answered with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Mason Trimble to Dant Bowling, cutting the margin to 21-14 with 9:13 remaining. Less than a minute later, the game was tied.

On third-and-11 from the Maryville 19, Centre's Luke Cole sacked Dabrowski for a 19-yard loss and forced a fumble. Seandre Maxberry recovered in the end zone for a touchdown, bringing Centre all the way back to 21-21.

Maryville had one final opportunity in regulation. The Scots drove 60 yards in 10 plays and reached the Centre 13, but Jackson White's 30-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide with 3:21 remaining.

Centre's final possession ended with Maryville taking over at its own 25 with no time remaining, sending the game to overtime.
 

One Play Was Enough

Centre received the ball first in overtime, but the Scots' defense came up with the biggest stand of the night. Maryville stopped the Colonels on fourth-and-goal from inches away, turning the ball over and giving the Scots a chance to win the game.

Maryville needed just one play.

Zulu took the handoff and burst through the middle for a 25-yard touchdown, sending the Scots into celebration and securing the 27-21 victory.

The win moves Maryville to 2-3 overall and 2-0 in SAA play, while Zulu finished the night with 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.

Next up for the Scots is a return home to face longtime rival and conference foe, Sewanee.