October 28, 2006
Maryville Comes Back to Defeat Monarchs 30-26
Senior George Sands runs for 114 yards on returns

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  The Monarchs knew going into the game on Saturday that Maryville has a history of coming back from deficits.  The Monarchs were leading 17-7 and 20-17 during the game, but the Scots finished strong to win 30-26.  The Monarchs fall to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the USA South while Maryville improves to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in the conference.

The Scots did not waste anytime putting points on a touchdown by quarterback Justin Price on their first possession.  Maryville capitalized on an interception thrown by Methodist quarterback Brandon Parks and finished off with the extra point by Brad Daniel to go up 7-0.  The Monarchs were able to earn a couple of first downs on their first possession, but couldn't advance into Scots' territory.  Maryville got the ball back, but a stop by Blake Farrell, a sack by Brandon Hayden and incomplete pass by Price gave the ball back to the Monarchs.  Parks took over and had two big runs for 32 yards to reach the Maryville 16-yard line.  Mike Hill advanced to the 3, before Parks finished it off with a touchdown run.  Patrick Larkin's extra point tied the game at 7.

The second quarter started with a Maryville possession, but the Monarch defense forced the punt and the offense took over on their own 26-yard line.  Parks found Patrick Doleman with a 42-yard pass and Mike Hill found a hole for a 10 yard run to the Maryville 22.  The Monarchs couldn't advance, but Larkin came on to hit a 39-yard field goal to take the 10-7 lead.  Maryville was shut down on their next possession without a first down.  Derek Rang tried to get the first down on 4th and 1, but Greg Nelson stopped him at the Maryville 26.  Methodist took over and Hill grabbed 4 yards before Parks found Jonathan Mularski in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown pass.  Larkin's kick was good for the 17-7 lead.  Maryville came back down to the Methodist 21-yard line where Brad Daniel converted a 38-yard field goal attempt.  The second quarter ended with the Monarchs leading 17-10.

Like the first half, Maryville took advantage of their first possession and scored a touchdown on a 39-yard run from Rommel Hightower.  Daniel's extra point tied the game at 17.  The Monarchs took over on the 20 and moved the ball into Maryville territory after Parks found Doleman on a 10-yard pass and Maryville was called for roughing the passer.  Doleman caught another Parks pass before Larkin hit a 26-yard field goal to regain the lead 20-17.  Maryville continued to move the ball when Price was looking at second down and long, he found Cedric McDonald who broke loose for 75 yards before Monarch Antwin Shuford caught him at the Methdost 12-yard line.  Price and Hightower traded carries before Hightower finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown with 3:56 remaining in the quarter.  On the next Monarch possession, they started in Maryville territory thanks to a 51-yard kickoff return by senior George Sands.  The Monarchs received a first down on a Maryville penalty, and Mike Hill picked up a few more yards, but with 4th down and 4 Parks pass went incomplete to Doleman to turn the ball back to Maryville.

The fourth quarter started with Maryville and they methodically moved the ball down the field on a series of runs by Price and Hubert Payne.  Price earned the touchdown on a 4-yard run, but Daniel's point after attempt was blocked by Nevin Rayford.  The Monarchs came back with their own drive into Maryville territory.  Parks found Sands for 8 yards to the Maryville 9-yard line and Jordan Black picked up 5 yards before Parks found tight end Andrew Gurley in the end zone for the touchdown.  The Monarchs tried a 2-point conversion, but the Monarchs were unable to get in the end zone.  Maryville took over trying to hold onto their lead, but Methodist used their final two timeouts and the defense forced the punt with 2:45 remaining.  Sands had a 16-yard return and Parks ran for 14 yards out of bounds to stop the clock and reach the Maryville 40 yard line, but his next pass was picked off by Scot player Dustin Locke.  Maryville ran out the clock and held on for the 30-26 win.

Brandon Parks finished 13-19 passing.  His 228 yards and 2 touchdown passes were a team high this season.  Parks also ran for 58 yards while Mike Hill picked up 50 of his own.  Patrick Doleman led the Methodist receivers with 5 catches for 127 yards.  Maryville quarterback Justin Price went 10-14 for 169 yards passing and added 44 yards rushing.  Rommel Hightower led the team with 81 yards rushing. 

The Monarchs will host Greensboro next Saturday, November 4th at 1:00 pm in conjunction with the Homecoming festivities and 50th Anniversary celebration.