Fighting Scots down Bishops in league football action, 37-24

Maryville, TN - The Maryville College football team snapped the Battling Bishops' 12-game USA South winning streak (since 2006) with a 37-24 win on Saturday afternoon at MC's Honaker Field. Maryville tailback Rommel Hightower rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown, while MC's defense forced three interceptions as the Scots improved to 3-2 on the season, 2-0 in league play. Wesleyan now stands at 2-3 overall, 1-1 in conference action.

On Maryville's first possession, quarterback Derek Hunt went 4-for-5 through the air and Hightower ran for 24 yards. Hunt later connected with Michael Bosco from 14 yards out for a touchdown. The score finished a nine-play, 64-yard drive, and Brad Daniell’s kick earned MC the early 7-0 lead. 

Near the end of the first quarter, the Bishops got on the board by taking advantage of an MC 18-yard punt that gave them the ball on Maryville’s 42-yardline. Quarterback Bo Jordan connected with Orlando Webb on a hitch-and-go for a 42-yard score just two plays later. Kevin Quicker’s kick tied the game at 7-7 to close the first stanza.

A Dustin Locke kick return and a Nick Moore rush put MC on the 50-yardline to begin the second quarter. The Scots capitalized with a touchdown when Hunt finished the drive with a 13-yard scoring pass to Wesley Idlette. Daniell’s kick sailed wide for 13-7 MC lead. The Bishops answered quickly, however, as a 47-yard pass from Jordan to Laqwan Brodie put them in scoring position on the very next drive. With 4:24 remaining in the half, Kevin Quicker connected on a 40-yard field goal to make the score 13-10. The 40-yarder was the second longest in NCWC football history.

Maryville countered in its next possession with a sustained scoring effort that cloned their first drive of the day. Hunt found Tyler Sauceman in the endzone from seven yards out to cap the 13-play, 75-yard drive that ate up the clock. Daniell’s conversion sent Maryville into the break up 20-10.

The third quarter saw the two squads trade interceptions over a four-play span, beginning with Quentin Pope's pick on NCWC’s 8-yardline. Unfortunately for the Bishops, MC cornerback Nick Jensen picked off Jordan’s pass just two plays later and took it in from 25 yards out. Daniel’s kick put the Scots up 27-10.

A Maryville penalty gave the Bishops great field position on their possession. Jordan proceeded to take Wesleyan 66 yards in four plays, and he ended the drive with a 40-yard TD pass to Avery Butler. Quicker’s kick pulled the Bishops to within ten points at 27-17 to close the third quarter.

In the fourth, a Kyle Chewning interception gave Maryville the ball on NCWC's 39-yardline. Brad Daniell finished the drive with a 39-yard field goal with 6:08 remaining in the contest. The Bishops were penalized during the ensuing kick-off and began their drive at their own 10-yardline. Forcing Quicker to punt, MC used a Dustin Locke return to put the Scots on NCW’s 26 yard line. Hightower took it in from nine yards out for Maryville’s final score.

Down 37-17, Wesleyan tried to battle back with a six-play, 58-yard scoring drive that ended when Jordan connected with Webb from 12 yards out. The conversion was good, but Maryville successfully thwarted the Bishops' onside kick attempt to preserve the 37-24 victory.

Maryville’s defense limited a strong Wesleyan offense to only 39 yards rushing. Kyle Chewning led MC in tackles with 11 stops that included a sack, a tackle for a loss, and an interception. The secondary of Bud Christy, Nick Jensen, and Dustin Locke were strong to the ball with 14 tackles, a pick, and four passes broken up. Offensively, Hightower’s 128 yards paced the Scots 163-yard rushing attack. Derek Hunt was 16-for-26 for 132 yards and three touchdowns.

Jordan finished the day 13-of-24 for 236 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Webb hauled in four receptions for 82 yards and two TDs, while Cliff Edmundson paced NCWC on defense with 12 tackles. Also of note, senior defensive end Quinderra Spellman recorded a half sack, bringing him to within one sack of eclipsing the Bishops' career record.

Wesleyan will now enjoy a bye week before returning to action on October 18th at home versus Averett University. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m. at the Northern Nash Football Complex.