Rollins Records 10th Career 300-Yard Passing Game; Defense Again Dominant
LaGRANGE, Ga. – This Maryville football team refuses to let adversity slow it down.
The Scots, after seeing last week's game against Brevard postponed because of Hurricane Helene, returned to the field Saturday at LaGrange and delivered a 38-13 thumping to the host Panthers. Maryville chalked up 513 yards of total offense while allowing just 227, with LaGrange gaining 54 yards on a late touchdown drive during garbage time.
"We knew we were going to get LaGrange's best shot at the beginning of the game because they were coming off a big win, and we were coming off an unexpected bye week," Maryville head coach Ben Fox said. "But we prepared well and were able to withstand their best punch. We figured a few things out and then our guys responded in the second half."
Starting midway in the third quarter, Maryville extended a 10-6 halftime lead to 38-6 thanks to touchdown drives on four of its next five drives. Jermaine Abner and Griffin Swinea had touchdown runs and Bryson Rollins threw long TD passes to Jaden Jones and Amare Redd to put this one in the win column.
Running Game Improving
Fox was pleased to see the Maryville running game push through for 194 yards on a 5.0-yard average. Bryson Claiborne led the way with 78 yards, while Swinea added 68 yards and two touchdowns and Abner another 42 yards and a score.
"It's been a real point of emphasis," Fox said of his running game. "We were able to get things done today, break tackles and get movement. I was happy we had close to 200 yards rushing. The running game spurred us.
"We have three backs who are capable. I was happy for Bryson to get in there and play like he did. He showed fight and moved the pile.
Nick Dagel's 6-yard TD catch and Bryson Sayler's short field goal at the first-half buzzer gave Maryville the 10-6 lead at intermission.
Defense Dialed In
Grant Henderson with six tackles, an interception and two pass breakups led the defense. Tyler Bost also registered six tackles and Jacob Berven had five. Adarian Cheek broke through for Maryville's only sack.
Maryville leads the USA South in all four defensive categories: scoring (11.3 points), total yards (175.5), rushing yards (49.5) and defensive pass efficiency (81.9 rating).
"I did some things early in the game like going for it, and our defense played superbly," Fox said. "LaGrange has some good players, and they had a good plan. Our guys settled in and played good competitive football."
Rollins finished 18-of-26 for a season-high 325 yards and three touchdowns against one interception. This was the 10th career 300-yard passing game for the junior from Elizabethton.
Receivers Making Big Plays
His top receivers were Steph Carter Jr., with four catches for 114 yards, including a long of 66 yards. Dagel added four for 59 yards and a TD, while Swinea had four for 28. Jones caught three for 50, including his 45-yard TD, and Redd had the one catch for 47 and a score.
The Scots won for the 11th straight time over LaGrange, improving to 15-3 all-time in the series. Maryville is now 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the USA South heading into another open weekend. MC returns to action at home Oct. 19 against Huntingdon in a USA South showdown. The Hawks beat Belhaven 45-31 at home this week and are 2-2 overall and 2-0 in the USA South.
No word yet on a makeup date for the Brevard game that was postponed last Saturday. The Tornadoes improved to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the USA South with a 55-21 win at Southern Virginia.
"We just want to continue to get healthier every day and improve every day," Fox said. "Everything else will take care of itself."