MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Averett University football suffered its first conference loss of the season as Maryville College upended the Cougars 14-0 Saturday in a battle of the final two undefeated teams remaining in the USA South Conference.
 
The win for Maryville (5-2, 5-0 USA South) puts the Scots in the driver's seat and atop the USA South standings with two conference games remaining.

The game featured two of the top defenses in the conference. The Scots caught an early break as Averett (5-2, 4-1 USA South) fumbled a punt return, giving Maryville the ball on the Cougars' 31-yard line early in the first quarter. Three plays later, Elijah Chenier broke a 16-yard run for a touchdown to put Maryville ahead 7-0. 

Both teams' offenses found it hard to move the ball from there. Averett's defense limited Maryville to only 219 yards. However, the Scots only allowed 105 yards. 

Maryville added a second touchdown on Marcus Pierce's 7-yard run early in the fourth quarter. 

Three Cougars registered double-digit tackle totals. Senior safety Octavius Ross and junior safety Hunter Hinson each had 12 tackles, with Ross making one interception. Senior linebacker Dejon Brooks finished with 10 tackles and an interception. 

Averett returns home to face Brevard College ‪on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 5 p.m.‬ for Senior Day.