Bull Ring shootout
Mavericks, Panthers explode for 100-point opener
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Anderson County junior running back Cayson Kurriger races laterally across the field looking for an opening before turning on the jets and heading upfield against Powell. Kurriger powered the Mavericks with 175 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries while adding three catches for 48 yards in Anderson County’s 56-44 season-opening loss to the Panthers. - Tony Cox
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Anderson County sophomore quarterback John David Gillum keeps his eyes downfield after scrambling out of the pocket against Powell on Friday night. Gillum com- pleted 30 of 51 passes for 337 yards and a touchdown, including a long completion of 36 yards, as he directed the Mavericks’ offense in the season opener. - Tony Cox
The 2026 high school football season opened with fireworks Thursday night as annual rivals Anderson County and Powell turned the Bull Ring into an offensive showcase.
The Panthers captured the latest chapter, outlasting the Mavericks 56-44 in a marathon shootout that featured 100 points and approximately 150 combined plays from scrimmage.
Fans who came to this one needed to pack a lunch. The game took nearly four hours to complete as the two offenses traded blows throughout the night.
The teams managed to finish the contest under a severe thunderstorm warning and before storms were expected to pelt East Tennessee.
The game packed plenty of fireworks as Anderson County sophomore quarterback J.D. Gillum threw for 337 yards while directing the Mavericks’ aerial attack.
He attempted 51 passes and completed 31 against the Powell defense. Gillum threw one touchdown pass and two interceptions.
The Mavericks also featured a potent ground attack, amassing 241 rushing yards and scoring five touchdowns on the ground.
Cayson Kurriger led Anderson County’s rushing attack, piling up 175 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Lane LaRue rushed 10 times for 46 yards and two touchdowns.
Kurriger was also a factor in the passing game, catching three passes for 48 yards.
Travis Happney was the Mavericks’ leading receiver as he hauled in 12 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Brayden Sharpe had seven receptions for 81 yards, while Jaxon Price caught four passes for 68 yards.
But miscues proved costly for Anderson County as the Mavericks committed five turnovers, including three fumbles, helping Powell survive the offensive slugfest.
Maddox Tackett led the Mavericks defensively with six tackles, including four solo stops.
Next up for the Mavericks: Anderson County will hit the road for the first time in 2026 when it heads to West Knoxville to take on Knoxville Catholic in another Thursday night showdown.
The game will be regionally televised as part of the Rivalry Thursday series.
Kickoff between the Irish and Mavericks is slated for 7 p.m. at Blaine Stadium.
Catholic will have a short turnaround after playing Saturday night and outlasting Riverdale 19-14.