Mavs flash potential
Big plays on offense, defense highlight preseason debut
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Anderson County’s Cayson Kurriger breaks free from a Halls defender during the Mavericks’ preseason scrimmage Friday night at Halls High School. Kurriger showcased his speed and determination as Anderson County used the controlled scrimmage to evaluate players and prepare for the start of the 2026 season. - Tony Cox
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Anderson County’s Lane LaRue fights for extra yardage after making a reception during the Mavericks’ preseason scrimmage against Halls on Friday night. - Tony Cox
Anderson County High School’s football team got its first taste of live competition Friday night, traveling to Halls for a preseason controlled scrimmage against one of last season’s surprise teams.
The Mavericks showcased plenty of big plays on both sides of the ball, but Coach Davey Gillum said the evening was more about evaluation than the final outcome.
“These types of scrimmages, neither of us is playing it necessarily like a game,” Gillum said. “Both of us want to see blocking and tackling, and just coming out and being physical and see where you’re at and what you’ve got to fix.”
The Mavericks’ defense was solid for much of the night, but surrendered a handful of explosive plays.
Halls sophomore Knox Burton broke loose for a 54-yard run and added a 43-yard reception, while Jarrell Chandler also capitalized two missed assignments by Anderson County.
“Defensively, I thought we played well almost all the time,” Gillum said. “We had two busts on defense, and both of them turned into big plays for them.”
Offensively, returning quarterback J.D. Gillum directed the Mavericks and spread the ball to several new targets.
Brayden Sharpe and Elijah Johnson each made two receptions. Zach Happney hauled in a 24-yard catch, while Jaxon Price added receptions of 10 and 26 yards.
Johnson capped the night with a 26-yard touchdown run, highlighting an offense that also showed promise up front despite being slowed by multiple false-start penalties.
“I thought the older kids played well, although we made too many mistakes with some false starts and things that are easy to nitpick,” Gillum said. “As far as the gameplay, I thought we were physical.
“The quarterback played well, the running backs blocked well and the O-line blocked well.”
