WINCHESTER, Va. - The Shenandoah University football team fell short on a comeback attempt in a 27-20 loss versus Maryville College (Tn.) on Saturday afternoon at Shentel Stadium.
The Hornets (1-1) were down 20-3 at the half against the Scots (3-0), as they went on to outscore the visitors in the second half, assisted by a touchdown by Keyshawn Wilder on a blocked punt. MC controlled the possession for the entire game, helping them with the win.
IN-DEPTH
The Maryville defense held Shenandoah to just 146 yards of total offense, started off by forcing a three-and-out on SU's opening drive. Maryville took that momentum and carried it to its opening drive with an eight-play, 64-yard drive capped off with a Nick Dagel reception for the first touchdown.
The victors took a 10-point lead on its next drive with a 19-yard field goal with 3:26 remaining in the first quarter.
After a third straight punt from the offense, the Hornets' defense stopped Maryville for the first time with Wilder's first of two interceptions on the afternoon. Wilder returned the INT to the Scots 15-yard line.
Shenandoah capitalized on the interception and scored its first points of the game on Scott Martin's 27-yard field goal.
Maryville scored twice in the second quarter on two possessions that chewed up 11 minutes of the frame. The first scoring drive of the second was an 80-yard drive, ending with another touchdown pass from Bryson.
Two plays into the second half, Wilder continued his career day with his second interception. In the redzone, Shenandoah looked to find the endzone but once again the Scots' defense held them to just three points. The field goal proved to be the only points of the third quarter for either side.
Maryville started the final quarter with a TD run from Mac McCoverey IV, putting MC up by 21.
Steven Hugney led the Shenandoah offense on a nine-play, 79-yard drive in under four minutes. The drive ended on Hugney's only passing touchdown of the day, as he found the hands of Andre Jackson for the score.
With five minutes left in the fourth, the Maryville punt team came out looking to flip the field and pin the Hornets deep. Wilder squashed that plan and stepped up once again, blocking the punt right as it left the punter's foot, and returned in 30 yards to the house. With a good conversion on the extra points, the Hornets now trailed 27-20.
Maryville ran the clock down and punted with 35 seconds remaining in the game. The Hornets would have to drive 65 yards down the field if they wanted a chance to tie the contest. The Scots defense held Shenandoah to no yards on the four plays of the final SU drive. One kneel down later and the game was final. Maryville 27, Shenandoah 20.
Maryville had a time of possession of 43:24 during the game and gained 409 total yards of offense.
Jackson led Shenandoah with 54 receiving yards on five catches.
Matt Conroy led the team in total tackles with 17, Quante Redd was second with 13.
Wilder, the Papa John's player of the game for SU, finished with two interceptions, one blocked kick, and a touchdown.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah faces Juniata next Saturday at Shentel Stadium with a 7 p.m. start time.
#GoSUHornets