Lenoir City entered Friday's game against Maryville with an 8-1 record and a shot at first place its district.

The Rebels had a shot at finishing undefeated for the second straight regular season, putting themselves in prime position for a chance to winning a third straight state championship.

It did not take long for Maryville to assert its dominance as one of the top teams in the state as they dropped the Panthers 42-7.

While the Panthers had won five games in a row, scoring 40 or more in four of those games, but Friday night they could muster just one late touchdown against a stout Rebels defense.

"They're obviously a great football team," Lenoir City coach Mike Zeller said. "And I didn't think we came to play. We looked a little tight early on, but give them credit. They came out and made plays when they had to, we didn't."

Maryville rushed for 150 yards in the game and added 265 on the ground, but Lenoir City's lack of offense was what hurt the Panthers, who managed just seven yards rushing.

"Give our defense credit," Maryville coach George Quarles said. "Those guys, I think, felt like their backs were against the wall a little bit. A lot of people had doubted them and it was probably the best offense we had played all year as far as all the things they can do."

The Panthers will need to move on quickly as they prepare to being the playoffs.

Last season, Lenoir City's regular season finale ended with a 40-0 loss at the Rebels. They team then won two road playoff games.

This time around, there is a strong chance Lenoir City will host in the early rounds.

West's win over Bearden in week nine and win over Heritage in week 10 assure Lenoir City a second-place finish in the district.

While Friday's loss to Maryville could hurt the Panthers some in the TSSAA playoff standings, it is unlikely the damage will be substantial.

Playoff seeding was announced after the News-Herald presstime.