Pounding the rock: LaRue, Miller post big night for Mavs at McMinn
Anderson County is preparing for the new football season, and the Mavericks had a tune-up on the road as they traveled to McMinn County to scrimmage against the Cherokees last Friday.
The Mavs posted a dominant performance.
Waylon LaRue scored two rushing touchdowns.
Another running back, Cody Miller, returned to the lineup for Anderson County.
“LaRue had a huge night, scoring two touchdowns, and we got Cody Miller back from injury,” Anderson County Coach Davey Gillum said.
“He also had a good night running the ball. Our offensive line dominated the game, and Tyler Davis, at tight end, was huge in the run game.”
Senior quarterback Landen Hensley had a solid performance for the Mavericks, and Evan Pyatt enjoyed a good game at wide receiver.
“Landen had a productive night throwing and running, and Evan Pyatt had a good night receiving,” Gillum said.
The Anderson County defense was stingy at McMinn County.
“Defense was lights out, giving up only one first down on the night,” Gillum said. “Ty Murphy, Luke Carroll and Taylor Davis all had big nights on the defensive line.
“Cody Miller and Mason McMillan both played well at linebacker, and the defensive backs also played well, led by Israel Small, Riley Wolfenbarger, Trent Strickland and Waylon LaRue.”
In an earlier scrimmage, the Mavericks took on Lenoir City, and the offensive front was stellar for Anderson County.
“The offensive line played well, giving Hensley plenty of time to go through his reads and push the ball downfield,” Gillum said.
“Hensley was also sharp throwing the ball, throwing for over 200 yards.”
Also on offense against the Panthers, Gillum noted that Pyatt and Small had a big night receiving, and Strickland was a versatile weapon in both the rushing attack and the passing game.
“The offensive line also opened some big holes for Waylon LaRue, who had a big day running, and also caught a touchdown pass,” Gillum said.
The first-team defense was also staunch as the Panthers struggled to get a first down.
Like the offensive front, the defensive line, including Murphy Carroll and Eli Dorton, was dominant, according to Gillum.
