Maryville quarterback Matthew Clemmer scans the field for an open receiver during 7-on-7 work on Thursday, June 16, 2022, against Jefferson County. (Photo by Charles Mays Media)
By JESSE SMITHEY
Slipping into a Maryville Rebels shirt for the first time for spring practice was admittedly a bit surreal for Matthew Clemmer.
Imagine having spent the previous three seasons at an in-county rival school, suffering 40-something-point losses routinely to the Rebels, only to join them for the final season of your prep career.
So when that came to pass and Clemmer transferred from William Blount to Maryville this past spring, the awkwardness of it all was definitely present when he stepped onto his new campus.
But that feeling dissipated quickly.
“They’re just normal high school kids (at Maryville) like everybody else,” said Clemmer. “It’s been great.”
All the while, though, Clemmer has been molting from his former self and growing new skin; playing football at Maryville comes with prestige but also heightened expectations. Through the last couple of decades, the Rebels’ program has forged a winning culture and fostered a championship-rich history.
Maryville has won 17 state football championships, good enough for second all-time behind Alcoa’s 20 in TSSAA history.
William Blount hasn’t had a postseason win since 2007.
Here is how the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Clemmer is handling the transition …
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