Mavs move chains
Strong line play fuels productive night for Anderson County
-
Anderson County senior Elijah Johnson breaks into the open field with the ball during the Mavericks’ scrimmage against Webb School of Knoxville on Friday, Aug. 7, at David Meske Stadium. Johnson and the Mavericks are preparing for the start of the 2026 season. - Tony Cox
-
Anderson County defensive lineman Caydin Chipman battles in the trenches during the Mavericks’ preseason scrimmage against Webb School of Knoxville. Chipman helped anchor a strong showing up front as Anderson County’s offensive and defensive lines turned in solid performances. - Tony Cox
For the second-consecutive week, the Anderson County High School football team made a trip to Knoxville for a scrimmage.
The Mavericks, who opened the scrimmage season at Knoxville Halls on Friday, July 31, returned to the city Friday night to take on Webb School of Knoxville at David Meske Stadium.
Longtime Anderson County Coach Davey Gillum was pleased with his team’s performance against the Spartans.
“I thought we played well,” he said. “There are always things to clean up, but not bad overall.
“We still have a long way to go, but I like where we are at this point.”
Offensively, the Mavericks produced some big plays behind a strong performance from their offensive line, which gave quarterback J.D. Gillum time to find receivers downfield.
That also opened running lanes for Anderson County’s backs.
“Our offense played well,” Davey Gillum said. “The offensive line had good pass protection. They blocked well in the run game, helping Cayson Kurriger and Lane LaRue make some big runs.
“The wide receivers all made big plays, led by Elijah Johnson with two long touchdowns,” the coach said.
“Brayden Sharpe and Zach Happney also had long TDs, and Jaxon Price also had several catches for big gains. J.D. threw well and made some electric plays on the run.”
Gillum was equally pleased with the Mavericks’ defense.
“The defense played well, limiting explosive plays,” he said.
“Karnel Mills made some big plays on the defensive line, along with Lyric Jackson and Lane LaRue. Jackson Davis also had several big tackles to get Webb off the field.”
Anderson County also turned in a solid effort on special teams.
“Our kickers, punter and snappers all performed well,” Gillum said.
The Mavericks were also able to get valuable game time for some of the program’s younger players.
“Our JV and freshmen came in and played well,” Gillum said.
Anderson County will return to action Friday night at the Roane County football jamboree at Harriman High.
The event begins at 6 p.m., with the Mavericks taking on Kingston at 6:30.
