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Article published Dec 9, 2007 Jordan tips hat to Maryville seniorsT
By Justin Cress Daily Times Correspondent
MURFEESBORO — Maryville junior Chris Jordan wants the entire spotlight from Saturday’s state championship to shine on the Rebels’ 24 seniors and their unprecedented 60-0 career high school record.
“Tonight is all about those guys,” Jordan said following Maryville’s 28-13 Class 4A title win over Maplewood in Murfreesboro.
But none of those seniors should complain if a little of that light happens to fall on Jordan as well. The junior receiver hauled in three catches in Maryville’s title win, including a pair of touchdowns that helped Maryville set the pace against a determined Maplewood team.
Jordan’s first score capped Maryville’s game-opening eight-play, 62-yard drive. Rebel quarterback Brent Burnette was forced to scramble out of the pocket but eventually located Jordan alone in the end zone for the 7-0 lead.
“It took a little longer for the play to develop than it usually does in practice,” Jordan said. “But I just settled in on my route and waited for Brent to find me.”
It was Jordan’s second score that separated Maryville from Maplewood for good. With Maryville holding a slim 14-13 lead late in the first half, Jordan worked free from his defender on a deep drag route and was 20 yards away from everybody when Burnette hit him in stride for a 34-yard touchdown.
“That’s a great play and it’s designed to be that open,” Jordan said. “It takes a little longer for that route to develop so the O-line has to hold their blocks forever, and that’s what they did.”
Jordan’s going to take a little time to enjoy his third state title but understands the bar has been set high for his junior class to follow suit next year.
“These seniors have set an amazing example and standard for us to learn from,” he said. “I’m already looking forward to next year. But I want to enjoy tonight for right now.”
Jordan also turned in a two-touchdown performance earlier this year against Powell, including a 42-yard interception return.
“But this one definitely means a little more,” he said.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: For senior Caleb Clement and junior Justin Smith, titles are becoming old hat in their respective households.
Saturday’s championship ring made it an even 10 for the Clement clan. Brothers Russell and Andrew each won three state titles in their stints with the Rebels. But with Maryville’s win over Maplewood, Caleb now holds the upper hand with four total championships.
“I might have to say a little bit of something to them,” Clement said of earning more titles than his brothers. “It’s nice to have that if I ever have to pull it out on them.”
As for winning 60 straight and finishing his high school career undefeated, Clement is at a bit of a loss.
”Right now, I don’t think it has really set in yet,” he said. “It is something I will look back on and probably appreciate more later in life.”
And in the Smith house, Saturday’s title gave the family nine in all. Now Jeffrey, Josh and Justin each have three.
“I just feel blessed to get to be a part of all of this,” he said. “This is all really very special.
Justin still has a shot at a fourth championship next year, which would give him a lift over his brothers as well.
“You know if we get it, I’ll have to let them hear about it because they would sure let me know,” Smith said.
BACK IN THE SADDLE: Maryville defensive coordinator Jim Gaylor was happy to be back on the sideline of a state championship game after missing last year’s title game due to back surgery.
“Before the game someone on the team asked who the person was that most wanted to be here,” Gaylor said. “They said it was me.
“But I don’t believe that because all of those seniors wanted to be here just as much as I did. So we’ll call it a tie.”
Gaylor called it a special moment because the entire defensive coaching staff was together again — and probably for the last time.
Former defensive coach Wayne Thompson stepped down prior to the season, although he has helped when he could on a volunteer basis this year. He returned to the sideline one final time for Saturday’s title game.
Joe Pinkerton coached his final game for Maryville on Saturday. He will be concentrating on his school administrative position next season.
“We have been together as a defensive staff for nine years and this was the last time we will probably all be together on the sideline,” Gaylor said. “So for me, personally, all that made it a very special night.
“But it’s really all about the team and those exceptional players.”