Football season at halfway mark
Week 5 of the 2023 high school football season has concluded, and many teams will begin the second half of their respective seasons this week.
Anderson County extended its winning streak to two games as it knocked off winless Seymour 51-7 in Clinton.
The Mavericks (2-3 overall, 2-0 in Region 2-4A), dominated the Eagles (0-5, 0-2) from the outset as they opened a 37-7 halftime lead on a field goal by Josh Valero.
Nick Moog had another solid performance for Anderson County as he had 11 carries for 104 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Zae Hall was 13-for-16 through the air as he amassed 269 yards and threw a touchdown pass.
Xavian James and Trent Strickland were the top receivers for the Mavs. James had four receptions for 101 yards, while Strickland hauled in four receptions (including two scores), amassing 77 yards.
Defensively, Eli Nelson posted eight tackles for ACHS.
The Mavericks are back in action Friday night as the travel to Strawberry Plains to take on Carter (3-2, 1-0). The Hornets came up on the short end of a 42-7 decision against Knoxville Halls last week. The Red Devils are 5-0 this season.
Wildcats suffer first loss of the season in Athens: Oak Ridge (3-1) managed only a 28-yard field goal from Eli Pearson in its 14-3 loss to McMinn County. The Wildcats scored their points in the second quarter after the Cherokees’ opening drive lasted more the nine minutes and ended with quarterback Brady Mullins scoring on a short touchdown run.
McMinn County (3-2) added another touchdown in the fourth quarter after Oak Ridge Coach Derek Rang was ejected after his received three sideline unsportsmanlike penalties.
The Wildcats continue their four-game road trip when they travel to Clinton to battle the Dragons in a key Region 3-5A game. Both Clinton (2-3) and Oak Ridge are 1-0 in region play but both are coming off losses. Clinton lost a non-region tilt to longtime rival Powell 45-28 at Scarbro Stadium.
The Dragons got 182 passing yards and two touchdowns from Joshuah Keith, who also rushed for 59 yards and a score.
Chauncey Felts had a kickoff return for a touchdown. He also shined on defense against the Panthers as he had 10 tackles, including one for loss. D’Moon Marable finished with 18 tackles, including a TFL.