Mavericks shift offense into overdrive
Anderson County’s Cayson Kuriger lowers his shoulder and charges through the Chattanooga Prep defense during the Mavericks’ 49-22 victory Friday, Sept. 25. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Mavericks rolled to a 49-22 home victory over Chattanooga Prep on Friday night, improving to 4-2 overall while dropping Prep to 2-4.
“I think overall, there were still mistakes made, but we’re closer to cleaning everything up, having a little more rhythm on offense,” Mavericks Coach Davey Gillum said.
“I think we had one turnover for the night, and it was a fumble on a scramble, so we didn’t have any fumbles by skill players or interceptions,” he added. “Getting the ball snapped faster, and just some less negatives there.
“And then, same thing on defense, just cleaner games for the most part. It looked like we were making some strides toward heading in the right direction anyway.”
The Mavericks’ offense found its rhythm early and rarely slowed down.
“Offensively, it was pretty productive tonight. JD (Gillum, ACHS quarterback) threw for, I think, 410 yards and three touchdowns,” Gillum said. “And then I think our whole receiving corps probably had their best game. I don’t think we had any drops.
“Braden Sharp had 146 yards receiving; Elijah Johnson had 116 yards receiving and one touchdown; Zach Happney had a good night receiving,” he added. “I think they blocked extremely well on the perimeter.
“Riley Miller rolled in a little bit and had a couple of catches, too. Riley’s a sophomore. He’s going to be a really good player for us. Also Jaxon Price.”
Standout running back Lane LaRue again provided production on the ground and through the air.
LaRue “had a couple of touchdowns and still had 80 yards receiving and I think about 70 yards rushing,” Gillum said.
The Mavericks also welcomed running back Cayson Kuriger back to the lineup after he missed about four weeks.
Kuriger carried 10 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns, including a long scoring run.
“He had a good night running the ball, had a long run for a touchdown, some receiving yards,” Gillum said.
Anderson County’s defense also showed signs of progress while keeping Chattanooga Prep from keeping pace with the Mavericks’ high-powered offense.
“Then on defense, I thought Lyric Jackson (linebacker) had a really good night,” Gillum said. “Had a couple of sacks, played with energy. All over the place.
“Maddox Tackett had another pick,” he added.
