Northwest Missourian

Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Community Sports

Media Credit: Seth Cook SENIOR RUNNING BACK Adam Mattson hurdles a Carrollton defender on his way to a first down. The Spoofhounds advanced to the semi-finals with their 28-21 win over the Lions. [Click to enlarge]

Just one team stands in the way of Maryville's first appearance in the state championship game since 1996.

After the Spoofhounds disposed of Carrollton 28-20 last Saturday, the 'Hounds travel to Fair Grove this Saturday for their first game away from Maryville since defeating South Harrison 36-7 on Oct. 24.

With the offense fumbling four times, the defense shut down its opponent just as it has all year long. Carrollton burned the Maryville secondary on a couple long passes, but other than that, the 'Hounds defense dominated.

The defense forced six three-and-outs in the game. Carrollton's most time-consuming drive lasted just more than three minutes, but only gained 12 yards.

Maryville trailed at halftime for the first time since Oct. 3 against Chillicothe. Continuing a year-long trend, the 'Hounds shut out Carrollton in the third quarter and for the duration of the second half until the Trojans scored on a late pass play.

"I think our coaches just get a really good gameplan together again at halftime and get us in the right spots," senior quarterback Joe Jasinski said. "Then, we just come out real fired up and get the job done."

Senior fullback Wyatt Maudlin scored two rushing touchdowns of one and 13 yards to give the Maryville seniors a victory in the final game they will ever play at the Hound Pound.

Maryville stretched its lead to 28-14 before Carrollton attempted to rally late in the fourth quarter.

After playing three games in 11 days, the 'Hounds, 12-1, now get a full week to prepare for Fair Grove.

They may need it as Fair Grove, 13-0, presents the biggest challenge the 'Hounds have seen for a while. The Eagles have allowed just 8.9 points-per-game as they rolled through the Mid-Lakes Conference.

They are coming off a hard-contested battle with Warsaw where they slipped away with a 26-25 victory to advance to the semi-finals.

With more than a five hour road trip south, the 'Hounds won't be able to utilize the full week of practice because they are making their trip Friday to stay in a hotel the night before the game, Holt said.

With four fumbles last weekend, the coaching staff plans to bring a back-to-basics emphasis into practice this week.

"We're going to do a lot of fundamental work this week," Holt said.

One of the 'Hounds' preseason goals is finally within reach, and Holt sees no reason for any letdowns from his team.

"They're really focused," Holt said. "Their goal was to go to the dome this year and win a championship. We've put ourselves in that situation right now."

Maryville plays at 1:30 p.m., Saturday in Fair Grove.

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