Big play machines
Mavs come through in the clutch to go 1-0 in region play
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Anderson County’s Garrison Terry hauls in a Walker Martinez pass for a 29-yard touchdown early in the second quarter Friday night. The touchdown provided the Mavs with a lead they would not relinquish. - Ken Leinart
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A slew of Anderson County Mavs crash a Fulton running play, including Eli Davis, Gavin Noe and Tate Russell. - Ken Leinart
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Anderson County’s all-world defenders Gavin Noe (not visible) and Eli Davis cause a Fulton fumble. - Ken Leinart
The Anderson County Mavericks broke into the win column with a 43-20 triumph over visiting region rival Fulton last Friday night.
Fulton got on the scoreboard first when the Mavericks’ defense held to force a punt. Daveon Shenault went back into punt formation and faked the kick. He ran 68 yards for the score. It was the second consecutive week for Shenault to score on a fake punt.
Daniel Perez kicked the extra point and the Falcons took a 7-0 lead at the 7:45 mark of the first quarter.
The Fulton lead was short-lived as AC junior quarterback Walker Martinez connected with classmate Braden Miller on a 40-yard touchdown strike. Chris Nelson added the extra point to tie the game with 3:57 remaining in the first quarter.
That score held until the early second quarter when Martinez fired a 29-yard touchdown pass to senior Garrison Terry, who made a great catch for the score. Junior Gavin Noe ran in the two-point conversion to give Anderson County its first lead with 11:52 remaining in the first half.
After forcing a Fulton turnover, the Mavericks struck again as Martinez threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to junior Bryson Vowell. Nelson booted the extra point and Anderson County took a 22-7 lead with 9:23 left in the first half.
The Falcons went to the strength of their offense, the ground game, and put together a solid drive late in the half. Shenault scored on a six-yard run and Perez kicked the PAT to trim the Anderson County lead to 22-14 at the half.
The Mavericks struck quickly to open the second half as Noe scored on a three-yard run at the 10:33 mark of the third quarter. Nelson added the PAT to extend the Anderson County lead to 29-14.
The Mavericks defense held Fulton scoreless in the third quarter.
Near the midpoint of the final frame, the Mavericks found paydirt again as Noe plunged into the endzone from two yards out. The Nelson extra-point kick pushed the Anderson County advantage to 36-14 with 7:45 left in the game.
Another Falcons turnover and a little more than a minute later, the Mavericks scored for the final time in the game when Martinez found sophomore Eli Braden for a 57-yard touchdown pass. Nelson added the extra point to give Anderson County a 43-14 lead with 6:35 remaining in the game.
Fulton managed a late cosmetic score on a five-yard run by Shenault. The extra point failed to make the final score 43-20.
Martinez finished the game 29-39 for 352 yards and four touchdowns. He shared the wealth as he connected with eight different receivers.
Senior Zach Shannon led Anderson County with eight receptions for 79 yards. Terry caught five passes for 63 yards and a score while Noe had five receptions for 29 yards. Vowell caught four passes for 49 yards and a touchdown and Miller had three receptions, also for 49 yards and a touchdown. Braden had two catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Eli Davis and Nick Moog each had a reception as well.
Noe led the Mavericks in rushing with 76 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns against a very stout Fulton defense.
Shenault led the Falcons offense with 199 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Shannon led Anderson County with 10 total tackles while Moog had nine total tackles. Andrew Meier and Eli Davis each recorded a sack. Senior Thor Williams and Braden Miller each had an interception, with Miller returning his pick 54 yards.
The Mavericks (1-2, 1-0 in Region 2 4A) return to action on Friday when they travel to Evensville to face Rhea County (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. in non-region action.