Spoofhounds knock off Center, advance to state semifinal

By Brent Johnson

In what turned into a defensive battle, the Maryville defense made the necessary plays to send the team to the state semifinal. The Spoofhounds (13-0) forced three turnovers in the second half to hand Kansas City Center (12-1) its first loss of the season, giving Maryville a match-up with Miller Career Academy, St. Louis, on November 19 for a state championship game berth.

Both offenses looked sharp in opening possessions. In a methodical, run-heavy drive, the Hounds took an early 8-0 lead less than five minutes into the game when Trey Oglesby found the end zone on a quarterback sneak and Elijah Green added the two-point conversion. Center needed less than three minutes to deliver a response when Norvell Trent found the edge on a six-yard scoring run, but the Yellowjackets could not convert the two leaving Maryville ahead 8-6.

A defensive-oriented game ensued from that point with both teams collecting fourth down stops to take back possession. After Center forced a Maryville punt late in the second quarter, the Yellowjackets took a 9-8 advantage just before halftime on a 24-yard field goal by Ian Harmon.

Maryville wasted little time taking back the lead in the second half. After holding Center to a three-and-out in the first possession of the third quarter, John Zimmerman put the Hounds back on top on a 10-yard touchdown run with Oglesby’s pass to Eli Dowis converting for two.

Once again, Center manufactured a response. Amaun Ryan connected with Langdon Douglas in the back of the end zone less than four minutes later, but Harmon missed wide right on the extra point to keep the Spoofhounds in front, 16-15.

After a series of big defensive plays that featured back-to-back interceptions and a near-fumble recovery by Center, Maryville extended its lead on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Oglesby to Dowis with just over eight minutes remaining.

Center had an opportunity to tie the game late and faced a fourth and goal situation from the Spoofhound 14-yard line. However, Maryville senior Bryce Farlin recovered an unforced Center fumble after a completed pass effectively ending the game.

Oglesby kneeled out the clock, sealing the win and preserving Maryville’s undefeated season.

Maryville’s trip to St. Louis on November 19 will be its first semifinal appearance since 2013 when the Hounds capped off a 15-0 season with their second of back-to-back Class 3 state championships.