Mavs cast out Devils
Hungry Anderson County shocks Greeneville, advances to semis
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Anderson County’s Trent Strickland (19) was the primary target of quarterback Landen Hensley during last Friday’s TSSAA playoff win against Greeneville. Strickland finished the evening with eight receptions, 140 yards and three touchdowns. - Dwane Wilder
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Mavericks quarterback Landen Hensley had 297 yards passing, including four touchdowns, on Friday night in Anderson County’s win over visiting Greeneville. - Dwane Wilder
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ACHS defensive coordinator Tony Lambert congratulates Mavericks players after beating Greeneville 28-14 in the third round of the TSSAA playoffs. - Dwane Wilder
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Anderson County’s Riley Wolfenbarger stops the run during Friday night’s Round 3 TSSAA playoff game. The Mavericks’ defense proved to be stingy, holding the Greene Devils to only 14 points. - Dwane Wilder
For the second time in three years, Anderson County High School is headed to the Class 4A state semifinals.
The Mavericks secured their spot in the next round by defeating longtime postseason rival Greeneville 28-14 at home Friday night.
This win was particularly sweet, as it avenged last year’s playoff loss to the Greene Devils.
Anderson County (11-1), known for its versatile offensive attack, showcased its adaptability in the 2024 quarterfinals.
Senior running back Waylon LaRue, a standout all season, had been the Mavericks’ most-potent weapon. However, Coach Davey Gillum anticipated that Greeneville would focus on shutting down the run.
“To be a championship team, you’ve got to find different ways to win on different weeks, and that was the story tonight,” said Gillum, the Mavericks’ longtime head coach.
“We showed that we are multiple, we’ve got a lot of weapons, and we can do different things when needed,” he said. “Most of the year has revolved around Waylon and explosive plays, but they’d really done their homework trying to take Waylon away.”
LaRue, who had rushed for nearly 1,800 yards in 11 games, played a supporting role in his final home game as a Maverick.
Instead, senior quarterback Landen Hensley led the charge, amassing 297 passing yards and throwing four touchdown passes. Three of those scoring strikes went to junior Trent Strickland, while one went to Riley Wolfenbarger.
Hensley completed 19 of 29 passes, with Strickland pulling in eight receptions for 140 yards. Strickland’s touchdown catches covered 8, 28, and 32 yards.
Hensley also contributed on the ground, rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
The Mavericks and Greene Devils (9-3) have now met in the state quarterfinals three consecutive seasons, splitting the previous matchups. Greeneville won in 2023, while Anderson County won in 2022 en route to its first state championship and a perfect 15-0 season.
Up next: The Mavericks will go to Lafayette to face Macon County in the state semifinals Friday night.
Macon County (11-2) advanced with a 35-19 win over White County last week. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EST.
The Tigers feature standout Gabe Borders, a multi-time Tennessee Titans Mr. Football finalist who excels as both a wide receiver and defensive back.
Borders has already accepted an invitation to play in the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game.
Dwane Wilder | The Courier News
Anderson County’s Trent Strickland (19) was the primary target of quarterback Landen Hensley during last Friday’s TSSAA playoff win against Greeneville. Strickland finished the evening with eight receptions, 140 yards and three touchdowns.
Dwane Wilder | The Courier News
Mavericks quarterback Landen Hensley had 297 yards passing, including four touchdowns, on Friday night in Anderson County’s win over visiting Greeneville.
Dwane Wilder | The Courier News
ACHS defensive coordinator Tony Lambert congratulates Mavericks players after beating Greeneville 28-14 in the third round of the TSSAA playoffs.
