The Chillicothe Hornets football team hosted Maryville in the first Midland Empire Conference game of the season. Chillicothe, looking for their first win of the year ran onto the field firing on all cylinders. The opening drive of the game feature a trio of 20 plus yard runs for the Hornets, highlighted by the 22 yard scamper from tailback Henry Hurtgen that put the Hornets ahead 7-0.
Chillicothe continued to dominate the half, particularly on defense, forcing Maryville into four punts and just two first downs. The Hornets offense was able to move the ball between the twenties, outgaining Maryville 241 yards to just 30 in the first half. The struggles arrived when Chillicothe approached the red-zone however, turning the ball over on downs in Maryville territory on their final three drives of the half.
Chillicothe held a 7-0 lead having outplayed the Spoofhounds in the first half, but to begin the third quarter, Maryville running back Sadler Viau ripped off a 61 yard score to tie the game. After the Hornets failed to score on another drive that ended in Maryville territory, the Chillicothe defense came up with a big stop to force a punt. Viau, who also handled the Maryville kicking and punting duties, boomed the punt 69 yard, down to the Chillicothe 3 yard line. Backed up, Chillicothe was tackled in the end zone on the first play of the series resulting in a safety. Maryville then ran the ensuing free kick back to the 3 yard line where Weston Tally scored and in a flash Maryville was ahead 16-7.
Landon Bailey had 10 completions on the night, but also a pair of 2nd half interceptions. The latest set Maryville up with another short field and Tally ran another in to open the 4th quarter. Sadler Viau then tacked on a final touchdown to cap off a complete reversal of fortunes with a 31-7 victory for Maryville. In the 2nd half Maryville compiled over 200 yard of offense after being held in check, while Chillicothe managed less than 35 to go along with two turnovers.
The Hornets will look to respond in another conference game next Friday at Cameron. The loss drops Chillicothe to 0-3 while Maryville is 2-1.