Fighting Scots set school record with first 5-0 start in 48 years on the football field
Scots are excited and optimistic as football records are broken and the players unwavering teamwork guides Maryville into their first 5-0 start in 48 years.
On Sept. 13, Maryville College played Ohio Wesleyan at Selby Stadium. While tied in the first quarter, the Scots pulled ahead in the second, managing to keep the lead for the rest of the game and finishing it 48-24.
Quarterback Bryson Rollins (‘26) made history during the game, as noted in The Daily Times, by completing 29 out of 36 passes for 502 yards and making five touchdowns, breaking MC’s single-game passing record. Receiver Steph Carter Jr. (‘26) hauled almost half of those yards, while teammates Jalen McCullough (‘28) and Teddy Orton (‘27) helped convert key drives into points. In addition to a very successful MC vs. Ohio Wesleyan game for the quarterback, Rollins recently surpassed 10,000 career passing yards during MC’s game against Centre College.
The Scots secured a tight win in their home game against Pikeville College, with a final score of 34-30.The victory electrified both MC fans and players. When asked what stood out to him, Offensive Lineman Steven Ray (‘26) said, “Steph [caught] a pass that drove us down the field 68 yards, setting up the game-winning touchdown. We had no doubt about the outcome, and that play gave us the confidence to be sure.”
Ray emphasized that MC’s wins are not just about talent. They are also attributed to the team’s preparation, discipline, and trust. The team does not take these victories as a sign to relax, but as a reason to work even harder.
“Overall we won, which is a huge deal for the team,” Ray said. “But we still have work to do if we want to be a championship-level team.”
Another big contribution to MC’s success comes from the fans. The energy from MC supporters has been a driving force behind the Scots’ determination. “The crowd is always great at the [Honaker Field], and they keep us going,” Ray said.
With Rollins setting new college records and the team’s 5–0 winning streak, the Scots hope to keep this momentum through the rest of the season. Athletic Director Andrew Wu said the 5-0 start carried a deep meaning for the school and community.
“Going 5–0 in front of a massive Homecoming crowd was a special experience,” Wu said. “You could feel the pride across campus. Not just for the team, but for what this season means for Maryville.”
Wu notes that having such a strong start for their first year in the SAA shows the strength MC plans to bring when all sports join next year.
While winning is always a success for the Scots, their strength comes from their work both on and off the field.
“I hope people remember that Maryville College is a team that plays for each other,” Ray said, “and that no matter what’s going on in the game, we’ll always have our brothers’ backs. All of us celebrating each other’s individual victories and playing for each other will be something I remember forever,”
With five wins behind them and many more ahead, the Scots are ready to fly high for this season, as well as many more to come.
Maryville football team comes together to celebrate homecoming win. Courtesy of Andrew Wu