Muskies Reclaim Shriner Trophy with Fourth-Quarter Comeback Win at Marietta

Muskingum football showcased its championship grit and offensive firepower on Saturday afternoon, rallying in the final minutes to defeat Marietta, 35–31, at Don Drumm Stadium in the annual Shriner Trophy Game. With the victory, the Muskies bring the Shriner Trophy back to New Concord and improve their season record to 3-1 in the Ohio Athletic Conference and 3-3 overall.

The historic rivalry lived up to its billing as both teams exchanged scores throughout the contest. After trailing 31–21 entering the fourth quarter, Muskingum engineered two decisive touchdown drives, including a 99-yard game-winning drive in the final two minutes. Junior linebacker Lee Burkett sealed the win with his first career interception on Marietta's ensuing possession.

Senior quarterback Garrett Gurney directed the Muskie offense, passing for 390 yards and three touchdowns while adding two scores on the ground. 

How It Happened

Muskingum opened the scoring midway through the first quarter when sophomore receiver John Christopher Gore hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Gurney, capping an eight-play, 78-yard drive. Marietta responded to even the score at 7–7, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle.

The Pioneers took a brief lead in the second quarter on a field goal, but the Muskies answered with a 15-yard rushing touchdown from Gurney and a 27-yard scoring strike to senior receiver David Westrick to build a 21–10 advantage. Marietta scored just before halftime to close the gap to 21–17.

The third quarter saw the Pioneers seize momentum, scoring 14 unanswered points to take a 31–21 lead. But the Muskies refused to back down. Gurney's second rushing touchdown of the afternoon pulled Muskingum within three at 28–31 with just over four minutes remaining.

On the ensuing drive, the Muskie defense delivered a critical stop, giving the offense the ball deep in its own territory. Muskingum drove 99 yards in under two minutes, punctuated by a 9-yard touchdown reception by sophomore running back Riley Woodie. Sophomore kicker Aaron Ortega's extra point made it 35–31, and Burkett's interception sealed the victory to reclaim the Shriner Trophy.

Shriner Troply Game

• The game marked the Shriner Trophy Game, which started in 2009 between Muskingum and Marietta. Marietta leads the series 9-8.

Offensive Leaders

• Garrett Gurney: 31-of-51 passing for 390 yards, 3 TDs; 10 carries for 30 yards and 2 rushing TDs
• John Christopher Gore: 9 receptions, 119 yards, 1 TD
• David Westrick: 7 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD
• Freshman receiver Jeremy Smith: 5 receptions, 90 yards
• Riley Woodie: 20 carries for 79 yards; 4 receptions, 32 yards, 1 TD
• Muskingum finished the afternoon with 500 total yards of offense on 82 plays, recording 29 first downs and converting a perfect 4-of-4 on fourth-down attempts.

Defensive Leaders

• Lee Burkett: 11 total tackles (4 solo, 7 assisted) and 1 interception
• Sophomore defensive Malachi Stromile: 8 total tackles (4 solo, 4 assisted)
• Junior defensive back Jacques Marcellus: 6 total tackles (3 solo, 3 assisted)
• Freshman defensive lineman Danton Adair: 1 sack for 6 yards
• The Muskie defense held Marietta scoreless in the fourth quarter, forced one turnover, and limited the Pioneers to just 87 rushing yards on 32 attempts.

Team Highlights

• 29 first downs compared to Marietta's 23
• 500 yards of total offense (390 passing / 110 rushing)
• 4-of-4 on fourth-down conversions
• One interception and one sack defensively
• Shriner Trophy returns to New Concord 

Up Next

Muskingum returns home next Saturday to face Heidelberg in another key OAC matchup. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex.