MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE - Southwestern University Football clawed back to beat a Maryville College squad who entered play tied for first in the SAA, 24-17. The Pirates marched down to send the game to overtime before winning the road contest with a walk off interception by
Gilbert Anderson III. Southwestern improves to 3-6 on the year, but 3-3 in a tough SAA conference.
Southwestern took their second road trip to Tennessee this season after beating Sewanee, 44-21 a few weeks ago. However, this game faced a different challenge against a Maryville squad who entered 4-1 in the SAA with impressive wins against sixth ranked Trinity University and Centre College. The Pirates win likely ends their chances of winning the SAA.
The Scots scored first on a field goal before the
Case Messer show took place. Messer reeled in a 34-yard grab to put the Pirates in prime shape before catching a 24-yard touchdown. The Pirates forced a fumble to start the second quarter by
Greg Pearson. However, a face mask on the play negated the action which led to Maryille touchdown.
Caleb Costantino made an unbelieveable interception to conclude the first half as the Pirates trailed 10-7.
Maryville mounted a 10-play touchdown drive to start the third quarter as the Pirates looked to be in trouble. However, the defense went the next 25 minutes without surrendering a point.
Jacob Smith found
Reece Cutrer for the 39-yard grab and Cutrer completed mossed his defender. With five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Smith led the Pirates down the field fueled by a one-handed catch from Messer. The Pirates had a chance to win it before
Alec Hargis sent us to overtime with a 26-yard touchdown.
In overtime, Southwestern wasted no time scoring on the first play. Messer caught a pass at the ten and bulldozed through three tacklers to score. The Pirates secondary was fantastic on the next drive as
Jaylon Greer broke up a Scot touchdown. Then, Anderson III called game with an interception as the Pirates celebrated.
GAME NOTES
- The Pirates earn a marquee win against an opponent who beat them 44-13 last year.
- Messer went off with eight catches on 165 yards receiving.
- Smith had 231 yards passing.
- The win was even more impressive considering they had negative two rushing yards.
- Jameer Martin had another big day with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.
- Kole Rosas was solid with ten tackles.
- Braedan Cundiff had nine tackles and a forced fumble.
- Cundiff also racked up two sacks.
- Greer was fantastic in coverage with four breaks ups.
UP NEXT
Southwestern will host the final regular season game of the year next weekend against Centre for Senior Day. That game has officially been moved to 10:30 a.m.
