Carson Jones (5) and the Maryville Rebels took on the Alcoa Tornadoes in a non-region matchup on Goddard Field at Bill Bailey Stadium Stadium on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in Alcoa, Tenn. (Photo by Danny Parker)
By JESSE SMITHEY
The 94rd edition of the Battle of Pistol Creek is set for Friday night in Maryville, and this annual meeting between the Alcoa and Maryville football programs will once again have all eyes from around the state centered solely on it.
Since the 2000 season, these two neighboring programs in Blount County have cemented themselves as the most dominant programs in TSSAA high school football. So when they play, it’s certain to command a packed house and social media attention galore.
The two programs have a combined 37 state titles with Alcoa leading the way with 20 all-time TSSAA state football championships. Maryville’s 17 ranks second.
Alcoa head coach Brian Nix has long been a part of this rivalry, from his days as a Maryville High player to nearly 20 years as the Alcoa defensive coordinator. But this will be his first go around as the Tornadoes head coach in this series. Meanwhile, Derek Hunt, now in his sixth season as head coach at Maryville, is 67-5 with two Class 6A state titles. He is 4-1 against Alcoa.
Maryville holds a decisive edge over Alcoa in the series with 65 wins against 25 losses and three ties. Alcoa last won in 2018.
The last four games have been decided by an average of 7.0 points.
For nostalgia’s sake, you can look back at the scores, trends, top players, top moments and history in this storied affair dating back to 2000 …
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