Imposing schedule? It’s the Maverick way
NICK MOOG
When football activities continue, Anderson County High School will continue preparations to defend its 2022 Class 4A state championship.
The Mavericks posted a perfect 15-0 record and notched a 34-30 comeback victory over Pearl-Cohn in the state title tilt in Chattanooga in 2022.
ACHS opens its 2023 campaign on Friday, Aug. 18, when it travels to Powell.
The Mavericks defeated the 2021 5A state champion Panthers 48-14 last season. The Panthers are one of eight Mavs opponents to make the playoffs last season.
In Week 2 (Aug. 25), Anderson County will host Science Hill. The Mavericks routed the Hilltoppers 48-6 in Johnson City last season. But Science Hill rebounded to make the Class 6A playoffs in 2022.
In Week 3 (Sept. 1), the Mavericks will head to West Knoxville to take on the Bearden Bulldogs at Bill Young Field. Anderson County edged Bearden at home last season, 35-28.
On Sept. 8, the Mavericks open Region 2-4A play at home against Fulton.
ACHS defeated the Falcons 35-7 at Bob Black Field in North Knoxville in 2022, but Coach Jeff McMillan’s Falcons qualified for the postseason before making a first-round exit.
The Mavericks will travel to Sevier County to take on Seymour on Sept. 15. The Eagles and Anderson County collided in the 2022 playoffs, with the Mavericks notching a 55-6 victory in the opening-round matchup.
On Sept. 22, Anderson County continues its stretch of three consecutive road games when it travels to Strawberry Plains to take on the Carter Hornets.
ACHS won easily against the Hornets last year, despite late scores by the host, and scored a 49-22 victory in region play.
The Mavs will renew their crosstown rivalry against Clinton on the road in a Rivalry Thursday showdown, which will be televised on area TV Sept. 28
ACHS last played the Dragons to open the 2020 season. The Mavs prevailed 41-6. Clinton went 5-5 last season, and did not win a region game.
The Mavericks open the October portion of their schedule as they return home to play West High School in a showdown of two undefeated state champions. The Rebels went 15-0 to win the Class 5A title last year.
After a bye week, ACHS closes out the 2023 regular season with a pair of region home games. The Mavs entertain Gibbs on Oct. 20. They knocked off the Eagles 55-24 in 2022. Gibbs, however, made the Class 4A playoffs.
ACHS concludes the regular season on Oct. 27 against South-Doyle, which went 2-8 in 2023.
The Mavs replace two 2022 playoff teams in their schedule with Clinton and West. Last year, the Blue and Silver played playoff-bound Elizabethton and Rhea County. This year, they will take on a “not your very friendly” CHS Dragon team and what could be the game of the year against West High School — a battle of defending state champions.