Anderson County ramps up summer grind with eyes on another football region crown
The hallways at Anderson County High School may be quiet as students and teachers enjoy summer break, but not everyone is taking it easy.
Preparations for the 2025 football season are already in full swing for the Mavericks and their coaching staff.
Anderson County, which has claimed eight consecutive region titles and remained unbeaten in league play during that run, is focused on building the foundation for another successful campaign.
Head Coach Davey Gillum and his staff use spring practice and summer workouts to reinforce the program’s winning culture.
“Coach Gillum has had the same culture in place for years,” said ACHS Assistant Head Coach Gary Terry.
“In the spring and summer, we don’t waste a lot of time beating people up. We use that time to establish culture.
“The big thing in spring ball is culture,” he said. “And we have good assistant coaches. We have Jon Chadwell and Tony Lambert.”
As always, the Mavericks will feature new faces in 2025, and spring practice is the first opportunity for them to become acclimated. Summer sessions ramp up the intensity, with early morning workouts and strict expectations.
“It’s tough on kids to get up at 6 o’clock in the morning and be ready to go by 7,” Terry said. “Sometimes, parents and players have to really think about whether they want to do that.
“If you’re going to play for us, you better hydrate, you better eat right and you better sleep.”
The Mavericks, 2022 Class 4A state champions, will also compete in the University of Tennessee’s 7-on-7 tournament in Knoxville beginning Thursday. The event draws top teams and athletes from across the country.
