MARYVILLE -- Maryville College used a 12-yard touchdown run by Darrell Tate and an interception in the end zone by Demetrius Christian to defeat the Methodist University Monarchs 36-30 in four overtimes on Saturday afternoon on MC’s Honaker Field.

The Scots got off to a strong start scoring on their first possession. Quarterback Tim Conner connected with Wesley Idlette for a 42-yard scoring strike. Andrew Noboa’s kick put MC up 7-0. Maryville would then finish the first quarter with an 11-play, 86-yard scoring drive as Conner again found Idlette from 19-yards out for the score. Noboa’s point after put Maryville up 14-0.

MC had an opportunity to score early in the second quarter, but had to settle for a Noboa 37 yard field goal. With only four minutes left before the half, Maryville had a 17-0 advantage.

The Monarchs used a 4-play, 45-yard drive to ruin the Scots shutout hopes. Quarterback Travis Murphy hit Chris Peoples for a 27-yard touchdown via the air. Tyler Mosko’s kick put the score at 17-7 at the half.

The third quarter was a battle of field possession, but Methodist would dominate possession time in the final stanza to complete a strong comeback. With two-minutes remaining in regulation, Methodist capped a 6-play, 68-yard scoring drive in only 1:41 when Erik Teague found pay dirt on a 10-yard run. Mosko’s kick made the score 17-14 and the Monarch on-side kick was pending.

MU recovered their onside-kick with 2:07 remaining. A ten play drive had Methodist within striking distance, but they had to settle for a game-tying field goal attempt with two seconds remaining. Mosco put the game into overtime with his 18-yard field goal.

A 17-17 score would see each team score on their next three overtime possessions. Methodist put the pressure on MC’s offense when Murphy connected with Peoples for a 9-yard touchdown. Mosco’s kick made the score 24-17. Scots freshman quarterback Chris Shelton, filling in for injured signal caller Tim Conner, hit fullback Jeff Turner with a one yard scoring pass. Noboa’s kick tied the game at 24-24.

In the second overtime period, each team settled for a field goal. MC’s Noboa hit from 36 yards out, while Mosco crossed the uprights from 18-yards.

The third extra period was also a battle of the place kickers. Methodist went ahead 30-27 on a 34-yard kick. Noboa hit on a 25-yard attempt to send the game to the fourth overtime.

Maryville capitalized on their possession as Darrell Tate, directing the Wildcat attack, slashed the defense for a 12 yard touchdown run. MC’s two-point conversion failed. The Monarchs attempted another strong comeback, but a fourth down pass was intercepted in the end zone by Demetrius Christian to seal the Scots victory 36-30.

Methodist (1-3, 0-1 USA South) had a pair of quarterbacks throw for over 100 yards. Travis Murphy was 9-for-20 for 101 yards and two touchdowns while Erik Teague finished 12-for-20 for 110 yards. Reggie Scales anchored the Monarch’s rushing attack with 54 yards on 17 carries. Brian Hopkins and Chris Peolpes were the quarterback’s favorite targets with 11 total catches. Defensively, Jody Balaam paced Methodist with 13 total tackles. T.J. Broxton and Eric Blalock each finished with nine total stops.

Maryville (2-2, 1-0 USA South) had a strong defensive effort from Kyle Chewning (15 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for a loss) and Bud Christy (11 tackles, two broken up passes). Rommel Hightower finished with 97 yards rushing while quarterback Tim Conner threw for 202 yards on a 10-for-20 effort. His favorite target was Wesley Idlette who tallied 75 yards and a pair of scores.

The Scots will continue their USA South schedule next week when they travel to Shenandoah University.