Green Devils come calln’ Friday
Anderson County hosts the Greeneville Green Devils this week for the second round of the TSSAA football playoffs.
On paper, the game looks incredibly close, with Greeneville at 9-2 for the season against Anderson County’s 10-1. The two are ranked directly next to each other in their class as well, with Anderson County holding the number three spot and Greeneville holding the number two spot.
In the state, the story is the same, with Greeneville ranked 25 and the Mavericks ranked 27.
Both teams showed decisive victories in the first round of the playoffs, with Greeneville destroying Howard Tech 45-0 and Anderson County beating up on Grainger County to finish the night 41-14.
Both games were typical for the powerhouse teams. Across the season, both Greeneville and Anderson County have scored an average of 43 points per game.
Greeneville running back Ty Youngblood was named semifinalist for the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award on Nov. 7, and has committed to Furman University as of 2019.
David Gillum says it’s a huge week for the Mavericks.
“They’re a really good football team and I think it will really come down to who plays better on Friday. Both teams are good enough, and capable enough. Both teams are physical. It’ll be who executes better and doesn’t turn the ball over on Friday.”
Gillum says the biggest test for the Mavericks will be watching for Greeneville’s strong, aggressive run game.
“They’re a run first team. If we can slow their run down, we’ll win, but they’re big and physical. Their O-line is great. That’s what they do. If we can control the line of scrimmage, we can dominate the night, so we’re putting a lot of emphasis on that. Controlling that line also lets us have a balanced line of attack like we’ve had all year. If we can’t control it, it’s going to be hard on us to pass the whole game.”
The other major game for the week the Mavericks will be keeping their eye on is the game between Elizabethton and Sullivan South, as the winner of that game will be their opponent if the Mavericks beat Greeneville.
Elizabethton dominated their first round game against East Ridge, finishing out the night 44-8, while Sullivan South barely managed to squeak by East Hamilton 24-28. If Anderson County moves on to the next round and their opponent is Elizabethton, the next game will be held at Elizabethton, taking the home-field advantage from the Mavs. If Sullivan South wins, they travel to Anderson County.
This Friday is also Letterman Jacket Night, so all alumni are encouraged to wear their jackets.
