Tonight's game had nothing except a trip to the state championship on the line. Oak Ridge had won every single playoff game they played up to this point on the road. Maryville was just the opposite, never having to leave their home field to play. I had a time conflict this week with the Tennessee men's basketball team playing in the NIT championship game against Villanova. The game started at 5pm so I thought I could watch the 1st half then make my way to Maryville High School. I was correct and got to the field just as the Maryville band began to play the National Anthem.
No reason at all that Steven Pearl should be lifting that trophy instead of Tobias Harris.
I decided to retire my press pass and pay the $8 admission for this one, making it the first game I've paid for since the week zero game between Bearden and Walker Valley. Once again this week I was not prepared for the weather. As soon as I started walking to the stadium I began to hope that Maryville would put this game away quickly so I could leave early. Maryville quickly dashed my hopes of that happening by fumbling the first play after the kick off. Oak Ridge recovered on the Maryville 17 yard line but could only manage a field goal to take a 3-0 lead. Maryville made the most of their second possession when Rebel quarterback Patton Robinette took a QB scramble 77 yards to put the Maryville Rebels up 7-3. Oak Ridge went three and out and Robinette hit Preston Burnett after evading a couple of tacklers for a 65 yard touchdown pass on third and twelve. On the Wildcats following drive, cornerback Brandon Johns made it look like the route may be on for the Rebels when he intercepted Oak Ridge quarterback Bradley Zulliger and returned the ball to the Oak Ridge 13 yard line which led to a 2 yard score by Maryville running back Jacob West, ending the first quarter with the Rebels leading 21-3, and leaving me hopeful I may be able to leave at halftime.
Oak Ridge got things going in the 2nd quarter. After a lengthy drive, Wildcat quarterback Bradley Zulliger put Oak Ridge in the end zone for the first time after a QB sneak play from the 1 yard line. The Oak Ridge defense stepped things up as well as a punishing hit from two Oak Ridge defenders knocked the ball loose from Patton Robinette allowed the Wildcats to regain possession on their own 45 yard line. Bradley Zulliger again took matters into his own hands and scrambled 35 yards to pull Oak Ridge within one score at 21-17. It was at this moment I began to get a little nervous I would have to sit through the entire game in the cold.
I feel your pain buddy.
Maryville answered the Oak Ridge touchdown this time when Patton Robinette found Logan Winders all alone for a 48 yard touchdown pass pushing the Rebel lead to 28-17. On the ensuing drive the turnover bug struck the Wildcats again when Zulliger was intercepted by Baylee Delozier who took the interception 72 yards for a touchdown. It looked like Zulliger may have the angle on Delozier and would be able to tackle him around the Oak Ridge 20 yard line. Baylee however slowed down a bit and when Zulliger tried to do the same he slipped and fell giving Delozier nothing but green in front of him.
Oak Ridge had one last chance before the half ended to put up some points but could only manage a field goal. The try was however a pretty nice 42 yarder that banged through off the crossbar making the score 35-20 at half. In the second half the only drama occurred when it looked like the Maryville Rebels were about to score yet again but a fumble by Robinette gave the ball back to the Wildcats. Oak Ridge wasn't able to do anything except punt though and in the 4th quarter Maryville's Zach Sharp put the final points on the board with a 32 yard field goal making the final score of 38-20. Oak Ridge's magical run ended and Maryville earned another trip to the Blue Cross bowl for a chance at the state title. If all works out I will be in Cookeville on Friday to watch one if not two of the three games that will be played then. I look forward to ending this season by watching some of the best in the state lift the championship trophy.
Who knew Clark Griswald lived across the street from Maryville High School. It is in fact Christmas time in Tennessee though.
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