Maryville Knocks Off John Burroughs to Win the State Title

(ST. LOUIS, Mo.) The Maryville Spoofhounds' defense used a bend-but-don't-break style in the Missouri Class 3 Championship against John Burroughs School, and it did enough to win.

The 'Hounds beat the Bombers 35-22  to claim their first state title since 2009.

Slowing down running back Ezekiel Elliot is no easy task, but after giving up a 79-yard touchdown run on John Burroughs' first offensive play, Maryville went on a 21-3 run into the third quarter to go ahead for good.

"We wanted to be the better team," Maryville head coach Matt Webb said after the game. "We knew that they had an unbelievable tailback. He's awesome. If there was anyway they could get him the ball, they did. He's a very good football player, and they're a well-coached team. But we told ourselves we were going to be the better team, and I believe that's what happened."

The Spoofhound offense got things rolling on the first drive of the game, marching 87 yards on 12 plays capped off by a 4-yard touchdown run by Derek Stiens.

The Bombers answered with Elliot's long touchdown run, but they were kept out of the end zone for the next 14:27 of the game.

Brody McMahon busted out in the first half, first with a 65-yard touchdown run to respond to Elliot's fireworks.

Then with :12 left in the first half, McMahon broke free again for a 59-yard scamper into the end zone.

McMahon finished the game with 213 yards, 2 touchdowns on 27 carries.

Another touchdown from Stiens opened up a 28-10 Maryville lead.

Elliot took the ensuing kickoff 84-yards to the house cutting into the deficit, but the extra point was blocked.

After a Maryville 3-and-out, John Burroughs drove 89 yards in 10 plays, including a 1-yard score from Elliot to get within one possession.

But that is where the Bombers scoring stopped.

Both teams traded scoreless possessions when the 'Hounds closed things out.

With less than a minute to play, Jonathan Baker iced the game with a 35-yard touchdown run.

"Our offensive line was amazing all game, and that last play just summed it up," Baker said after the game. "It's great to be a part of a game like that."

Baker carried the ball 11 times for 93 yards and a touchdown. He also threw for 57 yards on four completions.

Stiens rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.

Elliot, an Ohio State commit, picked up 419 all-purpose yards, 218 of them on the ground, and 3 total touchdowns.