Going full circle

It's 345 miles from Maryville to the Edward Jones Dome.

It's a trip that takes a little over five hours to drive.

For the Maryville football team, it's a journey that has taken much, much longer.

It's actually a return trip. One that started at the dome in St. Louis almost a year ago. It started right after the Spoofhounds suffered a heartbreaking 10-7 loss to Clark County in the Class 2 State Championship game on Nov. 29, 2008.

Despite losing a class of 20 talented seniors, Maryville coach Chris Holt predicted the Spoofhounds again had the talent to make it all the way. That's exactly what they've done facing Brentwood in the Class 2 championship at 1 p.m. Friday.

Holt said that first state championship team definitely played a part in helping drive his players to want to make it back.

It wasn't the losing that motivated them as much as the doubt.

"I think the biggest motivation for these kids the majority of people thinking they wouldn't be very good," Holt said. "I think they took that personal. It's obvious they have, because they've really responded this year."

The question is how did they do it? The Spoofhounds came into this season with very few players boasting extensive varsity experience. Still, they rolled through the regular season and playoffs like grizzled veterans.

Holt said it's got a lot to do with the program itself.

"I think you've got to give a lot of coaches and to the system we have in place right now," Holt said.

The record since Holt stepped in speaks for itself. After winning just four games in his first season, the Spoofhounds have only lost that many in the past three. Holt expects his team to be good again in 2010.

But right now the Spoofhounds are focused on finishing 2009 on a high note. They've already proven they're as capable as their 2008 counterparts. Now is their chance to do one better ... bring home the state championship.

Holt said Maryville definitely isn't just happy to be there.

"I think right now they're all business," Holt said. "They want to finish this thing. I think the excitement will come hopefully after we win a football game on Friday."

Having been there before is a major advantage though.

"A lot of these kids didn't get to participate in it last year but they were there and they got to be in the environment," Holt said. "They saw how serious it got, especially in the fourth quarter when that was it 'You've got to score to be a state champion.'

"I don't think you can replace that experience if you've never done it before."

The Spoofhounds will put their experience and their season on the line against a tough Eagles team. Holt compared Brentwood to Hogan Prep with talented skill players.

No.s 1 and 2 on that list are quarterback Tywan Brooks and running back Andrew Erby.

Erby is averaging 8.1 yards per carry this season and has 1,782 yards. Holt said he has incredible speed.

"If he gets in the open field, we're not going to catch him," Holt said. "He's the real deal."

Brooks is a dual threat with 1,254 passing yards and another 752 rushing. He's combined them both to score 24 touchdowns this season. Holt said stopping Brentwood means stopping Brooks.
"I think if we contain the quarterback that's the key to success," Holt said.

He believes his defense is up to the challenge. It hasn't let the Spoofhounds down yet this season.

"Our defense has been playing all year," Holt said. "I don't expect it to be any different Friday."

Holt said the while the defense is capable the goal is still to give the defense as much of a cushion as it can.

"I've got to believe if we get a few scores we're going to be pretty hard to beat," Holt said.