Total Impact

Smith, Orren pace impressive first Rebel shutout of Hunt era

Maryville’s Logan Justice (87), Ethan Ensley (45) and Tommy Smith (top) combine on the stop of a McMinn County ball carrier during the Rebels shutout of the Cherokees on Friday at Shields Stadium. Photos by Jolanda Jansma

By Stefan Cooper
Editor
Blount Press Row

George Quarles wasn’t the only significant loss Maryville suffered following last season.

Linebacker and Air Force Academy cadet T.D. Blackmon is believed to be the first player ever to lead the Rebels in tackles for four consecutive seasons.

Also gone were three of four starters up front in defensive ends Matt Young and Trejaun Purty and tackle Blake Oliviera. All of which makes the contributions of linebackers Tommy Smith, Seth Orren and Riley Gennoe and end Ethan Ensley big, big news following Maryville’s 41-0 shutout of McMinn County on Friday at Shields Stadium.