Week ending Aug. 31

Shinsky, Blackman lead as Rebels hold Alcoa offense scoreless

(Editor’s note: Blount Press Row has been in the process of moving its web hosting the last two weeks, resulting in a few reports not making it onto the site. The absence of players of the week for Weeks 1 through 3 was a regrettable casualty we wanted to address first.)

Maryville's Dylan Shinsky (2) brings down Alcoa quarterback Peyton Wall. Photos by Brandon Shinn

It wasn’t the 31 points Mayville scored. It’s the shutout the Rebel defense dealt the Alcoa offense that had many leaving Goddard Field shaking their heads after a 31-2 Rebel victory on Friday.

Rebel freshman linebacker T.D. Blackman, far right, lines up a tackle.

The Aubrey’s/Blount Press Row Player of the Week has to be shared this week. Rebel linebackers Dylan Shinsky and T.D. Blackman played an equal role in limiting the Tornadoes to less than 70 yards rushing and 90 passing in a game where Maryville’s defense didn’t allow a score. The Tornado points came on a safety against Rebel reserves.

Shinsky, a junior, and Blackman, a freshman, both finished with 12 tackles. Blackman caused an Alcoa fumble, one the Tornadoes got back. Alcoa’s best chance to score came on first-and-goal at the Maryville 2-yard line with two minutes to play in the half. The possession ended on a third down fumble.