MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Maryville College battled Southwestern through four quarters Saturday afternoon at Lloyd L. Thornton Stadium, but the Scots came up short in overtime, falling 24-17.

The Scots (4-5, 4-2 SAA) held a 17-7 advantage in the third quarter before Southwestern (3-6, 3-3 SAA) rallied to tie the contest with eight seconds remaining in regulation. The Pirates then scored on the opening possession of overtime to secure the victory.

Early Battle

Maryville opened the scoring with a 26-yard field goal from Jackson White at the 9:20 mark of the first quarter. Southwestern answered with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Smith to Case Messer, giving the visitors a 7-3 advantage.

The Scots responded with a lengthy scoring drive in the second quarter. After taking over at their own 6-yard line, Maryville marched 94 yards on 11 plays, capped by an 11-yard touchdown connection from Jaxon Dabrowski to Zae Richardson. White's extra point put the Scots ahead 10-7 with 9:16 remaining in the half.

Maryville had an opportunity to extend its lead later in the quarter, but a 25-yard field goal attempt came up short. The Scots carried their 10-7 advantage into halftime.

Scots Build Momentum

The Maryville offense continued its momentum coming out of the break. A nine-play, 75-yard drive ended with Dabrowski finding the end zone on a one-yard rushing touchdown. White added the extra point, pushing the Scots' advantage to 17-7 with 11:09 remaining in the third quarter.

Southwestern answered with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Reece Cutrer late in the third, trimming the margin to 17-14.

The Maryville defense continued to make life difficult for the Pirates, recording five sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Nate Nelson led the pass rush with two sacks, while Gaven Aldridge added eight total tackles and a sack.

Late Equalizer

With the Scots holding a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Southwestern put together a 13-play, 63-yard drive to set up a 26-yard field goal. Alec Hargis converted with just eight seconds remaining, sending the contest into overtime tied at 17-17.

Southwestern received the ball first in the extra period and needed just one play to take the lead. Smith connected with Messer for a 25-yard touchdown, putting the Pirates ahead 24-17.

Maryville had an opportunity to answer, taking possession at the Southwestern 25-yard line. The Scots moved to the 22, but a fourth-down pass from Dabrowski was intercepted by Gilbert Anderson, sealing the 24-17 Southwestern victory.

By the Numbers

Maryville finished with 317 yards of total offense, compared to 228 for Southwestern. The Scots totaled 146 rushing yards and 171 passing yards.

Mushaba Zulu paced the ground attack with 145 yards on 27 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt. Dabrowski completed 16 of 32 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score.

Richardson led the Scots' receivers with four catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Jalen McCullough hauled in six passes for 87 yards.

Defensively, the Scots recorded five sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and two interceptions. Nelson led the way with two sacks, while the defense limited Southwestern to just 228 yards of total offense.