Maryville football gets 4 TDs from Dylan Hopkins, beats Bradley Central for region title

MARYVILLE — He’s the X-factor that opposing defenses don’t seem to have an answer for.

As senior quarterback Dylan Hopkins goes, so goes Maryville as the Rebels begin their annual playoff run in pursuit of a 17th state championship.

Hopkins was plenty good Friday night as he led No. 2-ranked Maryville to a 31-7 win over No. 7 Bradley Central in the Region 2-6A championship game.

Hopkins scored on runs of 1, 41, 6 and 10 yards as the Rebels (9-1, 6-0) won their eighth game in a row and earned the right to host Bearden in Round 1 of the playoffs Friday.

“He’s a stud,” said Bradley Central coach Damon Floyd, whose Bears (8-2, 5-1) finished second in the region and host Science Hill in the first round of the playoffs.

“You’ve got to give him credit. He can run it, he can throw it. He gave us fits tonight —just like he does everybody.”

The UAB commitment completed 16 of 19 passes for 198 yards. He added 93 yards rushing on 14 carries.

Hopkins set the tone early, directing scoring drives on Maryville’s first two series to put Bradley Central in a hole early.

“When you have a guy who can run and throw like that it’s tough to defend,” said Rebels coach Derek Hunt.

Bradley Central quarterback Dylan Standifer (16-of-30, 177 yards) cut the Maryville lead to 14-7 when he scored on a 1-yard run with 3:05 to play in the first half.

The Rebels responded with an 18-yard field goal by James Cone with 3.6 seconds showing to go up 17-7 at the half.

Hopkins sealed the win with touchdown runs midway through the third and fourth quarters.

“We gave up 31 points — that was a total team loss,” said Floyd.

“We didn’t play very well on specialty teams, offense or defense.”

Meanwhile, Hunt said the Rebels are on track heading into the playoffs.

“I thought we executed really well and I’m very pleased the defense has taken a step in the right direction the last two weeks,” said Hunt. 

“We want to be at home through the playoffs for as long as we can. We’re excited and ready to go.”

Mike Blackerby is a freelance contributor