Maryville quarterback Braden Carnes looks for an open receiver against Bearden in Round 1. (Photo by Danny Parker)
MARYVILLE — What looked like an early seven points for Bearden quickly went the other way.
The Bulldogs forced a fumble and drove down the field, ending up on the Maryville 1-yard line before a false start pushed them back to the six. Bearden called the Statue of Liberty, a behind-the-back handoff, but Maryville was ready.
A handful of Rebels met Caleb Wilkins at the exchange point, forcing and recovering fumble that turned into seven Maryville points seven plays later. The Bulldogs never recaptured that momentum as the Rebels rolled to a 28-7 win to open the Class 6A playoffs, their 24th consecutive victory in the first-round.
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