Gillum ignites Mavericks rout
Anderson County freshman quarterback JD Gillum looks for an open receiver during Friday night’s game against Union County in Clinton. Gillum returned from injury and delivered a standout performance, completing 16 of 22 passes for 420 yards and seven touchdowns as the Mavericks rolled to an 80-20 victory. (photo:Ace Dunegan | Special To The Courier News )
The Mavericks (5-2 overall, 4-1 Region 2-4A) stormed back from their Oct. 10 loss to Gibbs with an emphatic 80-20 victory over Union County at home.
Freshman quarterback JD Gillum returned from injury in spectacular fashion, completing 16-of-22 passes for 420 yards and seven touchdowns — each thrown to a different receiver except one.
He connected twice with Gabe St. John and once each with Deameion Leavell, Jayzon Thompson, Braylon Sharpe, Keshawn Mills and Reese Roberts.
St. John starred on both sides of the ball, catching three passes for 130 yards and two scores, while returning two interceptions for touchdowns.
Leavell added two receptions for 96 yards, and Thompson hauled in three catches, averaging 10 yards each.
“We tried not to run up the score,” said Mavericks Assistant Coach Gary Terry. “Still, Union County kept turning the ball over and giving us points — pick-sixes, fumbles and even a safety.”
Anderson County will look to keep its momentum rolling Friday when it travels to South Knoxville for another Region 2-4A matchup at South-Doyle. The Cherokees (4-4, 2-3) are much improved under Coach L.A. Headrick, but are coming off a 24-0 loss to Clinton last week.