Maryville quarterback Will Jones (5) coasts into the end zone for six, as the Maryville Rebels routed West, 35-14, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (Photo by Charles Mays Media)
BY MIKE BLACKERBY
Still undefeated and unchallenged, but no longer unscored on.
Is Maryville really that good?
It appears so, especially after Class 6A Maryville upended two-time defending 5A state champion West 35-14 Friday night in Knoxville.
Maryville coach Derek Hunt stopped short of calling it a statement game.
“Every win is a statement win,” said Hunt.
“I just like the way we played the game (because) West is a really good football team.”
Maryville (4-0) cruised to a 21-0 halftime lead in dominating fashion as it held West (2-2) to just two first downs and 44 total yards in the opening two quarters.
In defeat, West did manage to accomplish something none of Maryville’s first three opponents could.
West’s Troit Patterson became the first player to score on Maryville this season when he hauled in a 4-yard pass from quarterback Parker Dubon with 6:46 to play in the third quarter.
That ended a streak of 14-plus consecutive scoreless quarters by the Maryville defense to start the season.
Here’s how Maryville ended its two-game losing streak to West:
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