Making history
Carmichael-to-Gamble connection ignites Lady Dragons
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Clinton quarterback Lanee Carmichael launches a pass while making her debut as the Lady Dragons’ starting sig- nal-caller during a flag football game. Carmichael connected with Addi Gamble for two touchdown passes after both players joined the team following Clinton’s basketball season. - Tony Cox
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Anderson County’s Mia Johnson turns the corner and finds running room on the outside during the Lady Mavericks’ game against Clinton on Thursday, March 12. - Tony Cox
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Clinton’s Hannah Harvey turns the corner and heads upfield during the Lady Dragons’ home game against crosstown rival Anderson County. - Tony Cox
It was a memorable night for the Clinton High School athletic department Thursday as the school’s newest sports team made a little history.
The Lady Dragons’ flag football team, which officially began competing this spring, won for the first time, defeating crosstown rival Anderson County 30-2.
Clinton had several players make their flag football debuts against the Lady Mavericks (2-1), as Addi Gamble and Lanee Carmichael joined the team after the Lady Dragons basketball squad completed its 2025-26 season with a run to the Region 2-AAA tournament semifinals.
“The biggest thing for them is that they had Gamble,” Anderson County Coach Jonathan Cotton said. “And she’s just a game changer for them, and you see that on the basketball court.
“I didn’t have a lot of our starters, but I’m not making any excuses. They made plays and we didn’t. Congratulations to Clinton and (Coach) Brittany (Siler). They outplayed us and I got outcoached. Brittany does a great job over there.”
Carmichael started at quarterback for the Lady Dragons and threw two touchdown passes to Gamble, who played wide receiver and defensive back.
Gamble also returned an interception for a touchdown.
Madison Tye and Emersyn Williams also had interceptions for Clinton.
Anderson County got a valiant effort at quarterback from Carly Whitson, who filled in for the absent Keina Gillum.
“I’m proud of our kids who were there,” Cotton said. “I’m proud of them for playing hard and I’m really proud of Carly Whitson for coming in on short notice and playing quarterback.
“I’m proud of her for coming in and playing hard and not giving up, not giving up on her teammates.”
For Siler, it was a good way to head into spring break.
“It was definitely a great night and it was a great win for us,” she said. “It was a memorable night, and it’s always good to beat your rival.
“It’s always nice to beat Anderson County; they’re a great team, and Jon is a great guy. He’s done a lot to help us out, and we’ve had some joint practices.”
Clinton improved to 1-1 in its inaugural season of flag football.
Anderson County, meanwhile, is fielding a team for the second time in school history. The Lady Mavericks found some success in the fall of 2024, when they competed in the Knox County League.
They were invited to play in Knoxville after L&N STEM Academy could not field a team and dropped out.
