LaGrange, Ga.- Maryville College’s goal was simple. Keep their opponent within striking distance. The Maryville College Scots played a pair of games earlier in the season and attempted twice to fight back from 17 point deficits or more. The strategy paid off as MC used their third consecutive strong second half to earn their first win of the season, defeating LaGrange College 23-6 in front of 1,300 rain soaked fans at Callaway Stadium.

The pair of NCAA Division III rivals battled to a 0-0 tie after the first 15 minutes of action. During LaGrange’s first possession in the second quarter, the Panthers marched the ball 87-yards on ten plays for their only score of the game. Drew Carter connected with Stephen Tuck from 10-yards away to finish the scoring drive. Josh Stripling’s kick failed and LaGrange would take a 6-0 lead to the locker room at the half.

During LaGrange’s second possession in the third quarter, Panther quarterback Drew Carter was picked off by MC’s Bud Christy. The All-USA South defensive back returned the pass 45-yards for the touchdown. Andrew Noboa’s point after gave the Scots their first lead of the 2009 season, 7-6.

Maryville’s defense stopped LaGrange on three plays and Zach Bledsoe’s 12-yard punt return gave MC the ball within striking distance. An 11-play, 53-yard drive ended with a Scots score when Tim Conner dove into the end zone from two yards out. Noboa’s kick failed making the score 13-6.

The beginning of the fourth quarter saw Maryville jump out to a ten point lead after Noboa finished a 12 play, 74 yard scoring drive with a 32-yard field goal. The score stood at 16-6,

The Panthers were poised for a come back. Following a 76 yard drive, LaGrange had first down and goal at MC’s four yard line. The Scots’ Phil Garrett promptly intercepted Carter’s pass and returned it to the 43 yard line.

The Scots rode the swing in momentum and attacked quickly. Recognizing a match-up that favored standout receiver Wesley Idlette, Time Conner tossed a 57-yard scoring strike to the All-USA South Chattanooga native.

LaGrange attempted another sustained drive, but once again in the red zone Phil Garret pulled in his second end zone interception to seal the Scots victory.

LaGrange (1-2) was paced on the ground by Dustin Cannon. He tallied 62 total yards on 15 carries. Quarterback Drew Carter was 19-for-45 for 240 yards passing, but threw three interceptions. Stephen Tuck was his favorite receiver. He hauled in seven passes for 88 yards and a score.

Maryville (1-2) had 155 total rushing yards that featured three strong running attacks by Rommel Hightower (20-64 yards), Nick Moore (9-55 yards), and Darrell Tate (5-30 yards). Quarterback Tim Conner was 11-for-23 for 154 yards via the air. He hit Wesley Idlette seven times for 98 combined receiving yards.

Defensively, the Scots allowed only 59 total rushing yards. Caleb Clement finished with seven tackles as did USA South Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Chewning who also posted three quarterback hurries. Phil Garrett had four tackles, a stop for a loss, and a pair of interceptions. Bud Christy broke up a pair of passes as well as returning his interception for a score.

The Scots will have next weekend off before they begin their strong USA South Athletic Conference schedule. They will return to action and Honaker Field on October 3 when they host the Monarchs of Methodist University.