Maryville came up just short in its quest for a state championship Friday against Clark County.
Down by three with less than five minutes remaining, senior running back Adam Mattson came up a yard short on fourth-and- two from the Clark Co. five-yard line to stall the 'Hounds final scoring threat.
"(Going for it on fourth down) was an easy decision," Maryville head coach Chris Holt said. "We were out there, and these guys want to win. When you get into an overtime situation, and we're a one dimensional team right now, I was a little worried about that."
Clark Co. held on to the ball for the remaining 4:46 to end the game. Maryville's defense nearly created another opportunity, but Clark Co. quarterback Ethan Allen converted a third-and-nine with a 16-yard pass to Kolt Kiger to seal the game.
"I give Clark Co. all the credit in the world," Holt said.
Clark Co. began the game with an eight-play 69-yard drive that ended with Indians' running back Javis Vineyard scoring from a yard out for a 7-0 lead.
Defense dominated the remainder of the first half. Maryville failed to score a first half point for the first time all season. After scoring on its first drive, the Indians next four possessions ended with punts.
Holt credited the Indians' defensive speed for the reason for the scoreless first half.
"I figured there's be more scoring," Holt said. "I think this is the fastest defense we've seen all year. By the end both teams were extremely gassed.
On the second play of the second half, Mattson set the 'Hounds up inside Clark Co.'s 20-yard-line with a 32 yard run, and capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run.
The final score came on the first play of the fourth quarter when a 23-yard field goal attempt from Kiger sailed through the uprights for a 10-7 Clark Co. lead.
Mattson led all rushers with 186 yards and a touchdown. Senior running back John Farmer added 64 yards on 11 carries.
Defensively, seniors Zach Sherry and Joe Jasinski led the team with seven tackles each.
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