Thompson runs wild
Six-TD night lifts Mavericks past Cherokees
Anderson County’s Jayzon Thompson rushed for 347 yards and six touchdowns in the Mavericks’ 49-27 win over South-Doyle. (photo:Tony Cox )
But senior running back Jayzon Thompson played the hero for the Mavericks, powering them to a 49-27 victory over South-Doyle in a key Region 2-4A contest at Billy K. Nicely Stadium.
Thompson rushed for 347 yards and six touchdowns to propel Anderson County (6-2 overall, 5-1 in the region) back into the win column against the Cherokees (4-5, 2-4).
He opened the scoring by hauling in a touchdown pass from freshman quarterback J.D. Gillum.
The Mavericks never trailed, but several turnovers and special teams miscues allowed South-Doyle to stay within striking distance.
Anderson County surrendered a kickoff return for a touchdown, and the Cherokees added two more scores on interception returns.
Still, the Mavericks led 21-14 at halftime before South-Doyle tied the game in the third quarter on a 58-yard touchdown run by Reed Reynolds.
“We gave them two pick-sixes and a kick return,” Anderson County Coach Davey Gillum said. “But they struggled to get first downs. It was a matter of us playing clean long enough to get some separation.”
While the defense limited the Cherokees’ offensive success, Thompson repeatedly broke loose to keep the Mavericks ahead. He ripped off touchdown runs of 78, 70 and 51 yards after halftime.
“As a runner, he’s everything that needs to happen,” Gillum said of Thompson. “He’s so special. The line blocked well, the receivers blocked well, and if you get a play right with him, it’s a touchdown. If you don’t get him before he gets going, he’s gone.”
Thompson also had rushing touchdowns of 6, 19 and 5 yards.
Next up, Anderson County closes its regular season at home Friday night against region newcomer Alcoa (9-0, 6-0). The Tornadoes, who have clinched at least a share of the Region 2-4A championship, own a win over Maryville this season and have captured 10 consecutive Class 3A state titles.