COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Maryville beat Smyrna 23-21 Saturday night on the campus of Tennessee Tech to win the Class 6A championship.

Making their seventh straight appearance in the title game, the Rebels led 21-14 at the half. In the second half, however, the Rebels struggled on offense. With quarterback Patton Robinette sidelined with a concussion, Maryville's offense was unable to find the endzone. It was Maryville's defense accounting for the margin of victory.

In the third quarter, MHS's Joseph Watson broke thru the Smyrna defense and recorded a safety, making the game 23-21.

Near the end of the third quarter, the Bulldogs scored a touchdown, closing the gap to 23-21. Then, it appeared Smyrna would take the lead late in the fourth quarter. With 2:21 to remain the game, Maryville blocked a Smyrna 28 yard field goal, preserving the Rebels' lead.

It's Maryville's 12th state championship, a number that ties Alcoa for the most in the state.