Mavericks flatten Fulton in region opener
Deameion Leavell assumed the quarterback duties for the Mavericks during Friday night’s home matchup with Fulton. The senior tossed for 135 yards and three touchdowns, and also added 78 rushing yards and a 1-yard touchdown run. (photo:David Woods )
The Mavericks opened Region 2-4A play in dominant fashion Friday night, rolling past Fulton 46-0 at home.
Anderson County (1-1, 1-0) piled up 23 first-quarter points — including a safety — and never looked back, extending a region winning streak that dates to 2016.
Senior running back Jayzon Thompson set the tone with a touchdown scamper on the Mavs’ first possession. Mason McMillan then forced a safety with a tackle in the end zone, and Reese Russell recovered a fumble to keep the pressure on.
“I thought we played well,” Anderson County Coach Davey Gillum said. “The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage.
“Jayzon ran the ball really well. He had some electric runs and gave us explosive plays that helped us get ahead early.”
Thompson finished with 152 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries.
With freshman quarterback JD Gillum sidelined, senior Deameion “Boobie” Leavell stepped in and shined. He went 6-for-7 passing for 135 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Gabe St. John, Zach Hapney and Keshawn Mills. Leavell also added 78 rushing yards and a 1-yard touchdown run.
“Boobie stepped in at quarterback and ran the offense,” Gillum said. “He made good reads in the run game, big runs, and some big throws.
“Our wide receivers all blocked well and made huge plays in the passing game when their numbers were called.”
The Mavericks also dominated on defense and special teams.
“Our defense played lights out, not allowing any points and very few first downs (and) making it hard for Fulton to generate anything in the running game,” Gillum said. “Special teams played well. Jackson Payne kicked well, putting most kickoffs in the end zone and hitting a 37-yard field goal.”
Next up: The Mavericks travel to Maryville on Friday to face Heritage (2-0, 1-0) in another region test.
The Mountaineers, led by former Tennessee assistant coach
Joe Osovet, have posted early wins over Christian Academy of Knoxville and South-Doyle.
