MARYVILLE (Maryville College) -- The offensive and defensive line play of the Greensboro Pride were the difference in today’s 26-12 victory over Maryville College. The USA South visitor held the Scots to only 32 yards of rushing while keeping MC quarterback Tim Conner on the run as they recorded six sacks.

Greensboro sent a message on their first possession. Matt Martin ran six plays while eating up 68 yards right through the heart of the MC defense. Antwan Thorpe capped the nine play, 81-yard scoring drive with a three yard counter into the end zone. Beau Walker’s kick made the score 7-0.

As the first quarter ended 7-0, MC had the ball at midfield. On a third down pass, Greensboro’s Jerry Bates picked off Conner and returned it 55-yards to the house. Walker’s kick put the Pride up 14-0 early in the second quarter.

Following an outstanding punt by Taylor Richardson that pinned Greensboro inside the five yard line, Maryville would finally get on the board. MC’s defense forced the Pride to punt deep in their own end zone. Punter Donnie Leopold could not handle the snap and threw the ball out the back of the end zone for a safety. As MC was ready to receive the free-kick, the score was 14-2.

The Scots fumbled on their next possession, but the defense would son hold Greensboro to three yards over their next three plays. MC began their next drive on their own 46 yards line. The Scots went for the homerun on the next play as Conner connected with Wesley Idlette for a 54 yard scoring strike. Andrew Noboa’s kick made the score 14-9.

With momentum in Maryville’s favor, MC’s Joel Byars forced and recovered a fumble inside the Pride’s 16 yards line. Greensboro’s defense and MC miscues pushed the ball back to the 29 yard line where Noboa would connect on a 41 yard field goal. MC cut the lead to 14-12 with 3:23 remaining before the half.

Greensboro would promptly march 57 yards on 7 plays to increase their lead. Quarterback Seth Adams hit Antwan Thorpe in the middle of the end zone just behind the safety for the score. Hunter West blocked Walker’s conversion and the score was 20-12 at the half.

The second half was a battle of the defenses. As the Pride pinned MC inside their 15 yard line with a punt, Quarterback Tim Conner was pressured for a sack and fumbled deep in MC territory. Greensboro’s Mykel Searcy scooped up the miscue and scored from 8-yards out. Hunter West blocked his second conversion of the day, but Greensboro’s lead of 26-12 would stand for the remainder 22 minutes.

Greensboro (4-4, 2-3 USA South) was paced by Matt Martin on the ground. In 22 attempts, Martin averaged 5.4 yards per carry and finished with 118 yards. Quarterback Seth Adams was 14-for-23 for 136 yards in the air. His favorite target was Antwan Thorpe who hauled in 10 passes for 117 yards. Defensively, Allen Stallings was all over the field with 10 tackles. Devon Morrison added 7 stops while Brian Richardson had six tackles, three sacks and four tackles for a loss of 23 yards.

Maryville (3-5, 2-3 USA South) saw Rommel Hightower finish with 46 yards on the ground. Conner threw for 191 yards on 15 completions. Wesley Idlette brought down eight passes for 155 yards. Kyle Chewning, Yohance Butler, and Joel Byars paced MC’s defense. Chewning finished with 20 total tackles on the afternoon.

Maryville will return to action next week as they travel to Christopher Newport University. Kick-off is slated for 1:00 p.m.