Weather warrior
Thompson’s five-touchdown, 275-yard outburst powers Anderson County past Volunteer and into Round 2
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Jayzon Thompson (6) cuts through Volunteer High School defenders in a steady rain Friday night at Anderson County. Thompson powered the Mavericks’ 37-21 first-round playoff win with 167 rushing yards, 108 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Anderson County hosts Stone Memorial in the second round Friday. - Tony Cox
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Anderson County quarterback JD Gillium looks for an open reciever before tucking the ball and running during the rainy opening round of the TSSAA playoffs. - Tony Cox
Anderson County High School opened the Class 4A playoffs with a 37-21 victory over Volunteer Friday night, and the Mavericks did enough to survive and advance against Volunteer at ACHS.
They defeated the Falcons (7-4), who completed their best football season in recent memory. But Mavs Coach Davey Gillum said his team must play better as it moves forward.
“Overall, it was a sloppy night; we were our own worst enemies,” Gillum said. “We moved the ball fairly easy, but turned the ball over five times. Two of (the turnovers) went for touchdowns for them.
“Not taking care of the ball made the game closer than it should have been.”
Jayzon Thompson powered Anderson County’s offense throughout the night, accounting for five touchdowns as the Mavericks controlled the matchup with the Falcons, who finished fourth in Region 1-4A.
Thompson accompished four rushing scores, and added another touchdown through the air while totaling 108 receiving yards.
“Offensively, Jayzon Thompson had another big night with five touchdowns, 167 rushing yards and 108 receiving,” Gillum said. “Defensively, we played great most of the night.
“We gave up one touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but other than that, they struggled to get a first down. Special teams were solid. Jackson Payne hit a 40-yard field goal.”
Next up for the Mavericks: Anderson County will play host to Stone Memorial in the second round of the playoffs.
The Panthers enter the contest with a 10-1 overall record and are coming off a 44-21 victory over Loudon in an opening-round game Thursday night.
Gillum said he knows the Panthers will present a challenge and that the Mavericks must play better at home if they are to advance.
“We will have to play a lot cleaner (this) week if we expect to win,” he said.
According to TSSAA championship records, Stone Memorial holds a 4-14 postseason mark and was eliminated by Loudon in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. This year’s berth in the second round marks only the fourth time the program has advanced past its opener since making its first playoff appearance in 2009.