Alcoa edges Maryville in front of more than 10,000 fans

Battle of Tennessee defending state champs goes to Alcoa.

Alcoa (Tenn.) nipped arch rival Maryville (Tenn.) 35-31 in the football season opener Thursday before an overflow crowd estimated at 10,000.

Alcoa in Class 3A and Maryville in Class 6A — located five miles apart. Alcoa, which notched a record sixth consecutive state title last year, has now won its last 30 games.

It was Maryville's first home defeat since 2001. Coach George Quarles estimated that, counting playoffs, the winning streak was around 65 games.

Alcoa's Vanderbilt Hambrick.

Photo by Randy Sartin

In his 26th year as a head coach, Alcoa's Gary Rankin called it "probably the most thrilling game I've ever been in. It's a huge, huge rivalry. The lead changed hands nine times."

Quarles said, "When you're on the short end, it's not quite as thrilling, but it really was a thrilling game. They got their $6 worth."

Vanderbilt "Vee" Hambrick was the hero for the Tornadoes, scampering 34 yards for the winning touchdown with 2:26 left. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound junior finished with 15 carries for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Darrell Warren (6-1, 225) carried 13 times for 99 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

In his first varsity start at Maryville, junior quarterback Patton Robinette (6-5, 195) completed 12 of 18 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns.