Quick-Start Rebels Storm Past Cleveland Blue Raiders
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Maryville struck early and often Friday night at Benny Monroe Stadium, overpowering Cleveland 44-7 in a Region 2-6A contest.
The Rebels needed just two plays to build a two-touchdown lead, recovering a fumble in the end zone moments after senior Cohen Babelay’s 5-yard scoring run. By the end of the first quarter, Maryville had a 23-0 advantage and never looked back.
Cleveland’s only score came midway through the third quarter, when senior Emilio Greene jumped a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown. Greene was also the Raiders’ top offensive threat, finishing with four catches for 64 yards.
Maryville’s defense smothered Cleveland all evening, limiting the hosts to 81 yards of total offense. The Rebels produced eight tackles for loss and four sacks, holding the Raiders to minus-17 rushing yards. Quarterback Kason McGowan completed 11 of 18 passes for 98 yards, but pressure from the Rebel front kept the Blue Raiders off balance.
On the other side, Maryville showcased balance. Quarterback Will Jones threw three touchdown passes — to Ivan Vananda, Mack Serr and Tony Beaufort — and also scrambled for a 17-yard score. Babelay led the ground game with 57 yards and a touchdown as the Rebels rolled up 371 total yards.
Ranked No. 4 in the latest TSWA/USA Today state poll, Maryville improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in region play, remaining tied with Bradley Central at the top of the standings. Cleveland dropped to 0-4 and 0-1.
The Blue Raiders face yet another test this week, traveling to No. 6 Oak Ridge, which reached the Class 5A semifinals last season and enters unbeaten at 4-0.
Final Score: Maryville 44, Cleveland 7
The Rebels needed just two plays to build a two-touchdown lead, recovering a fumble in the end zone moments after senior Cohen Babelay’s 5-yard scoring run. By the end of the first quarter, Maryville had a 23-0 advantage and never looked back.
Cleveland’s only score came midway through the third quarter, when senior Emilio Greene jumped a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown. Greene was also the Raiders’ top offensive threat, finishing with four catches for 64 yards.
Maryville’s defense smothered Cleveland all evening, limiting the hosts to 81 yards of total offense. The Rebels produced eight tackles for loss and four sacks, holding the Raiders to minus-17 rushing yards. Quarterback Kason McGowan completed 11 of 18 passes for 98 yards, but pressure from the Rebel front kept the Blue Raiders off balance.
On the other side, Maryville showcased balance. Quarterback Will Jones threw three touchdown passes — to Ivan Vananda, Mack Serr and Tony Beaufort — and also scrambled for a 17-yard score. Babelay led the ground game with 57 yards and a touchdown as the Rebels rolled up 371 total yards.
Ranked No. 4 in the latest TSWA/USA Today state poll, Maryville improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in region play, remaining tied with Bradley Central at the top of the standings. Cleveland dropped to 0-4 and 0-1.
The Blue Raiders face yet another test this week, traveling to No. 6 Oak Ridge, which reached the Class 5A semifinals last season and enters unbeaten at 4-0.
Final Score: Maryville 44, Cleveland 7