bigdeal

#8 Chad Deal will be out 8 weeks with a broken fibula. The only way he might see action again is in the quarter or semifinals.

This was a great game last year up at AC and I expect no different this year down at Kingston. But it looks like the Yellow Jackets will have a tough hill to climb this week after seeing how AC has played recently. For Kingston to have a chance, they need to stop AC's "4 yards and a cloud of dust" running game and force them to goto the air and hope that QB Rob Wright has an off night. AC will probably come out a little flat after an emotional win over cross county rival Clinton. The Mavs need a new leader in the secondary to step up to replace the injured #8 Chad Deal. ACHS 28-Kingston 21

Anderson County has a decent website. http://www.acs.ac/schools/achs/mavfootball/mav_frame.html

As long as the high school quarterbacks are better at taking wet snaps than UT's Casey Clausen, everybody will be alright. Clausen should go back to little league or something and learn how to do it right. And after what I sat through Saturday in Knoxville, no amount of rain will stop me this week to go see Anderson County and Clinton. It's bound to be a better game than UT and Florida.

This game is a great rivalry that has had some close games over the past few years. AC leads the series 8-7 over the Dragons. 1995 AC 21 Clinton 13 1996 AC 17 Clinton 7 1997 AC 7 Clinton 14 (OT) 1998 AC 14 Clinton 40 1999 AC 14 Clinton 20 (OT) 2000 AC 35 Clinton 34 2001 AC 14 Clinton 0 This is sure to be another close one. Clinton will be ready after earning their first win over Knox West last Friday. The Mavericks must avoid penalties and turnovers. If they can do this, they'll win the Anderson County championship. AC 24 Clinton 17

I just wanted to see what everybody's thoughts were on this huge cross county rivalry.

The Anderson County Destruction Crew is back on track this year. After 4 ballgames, the Mavericks have only allowed 5 complete passes. They did not allow Loudon or Gibbs to complete even one pass. Friday night against Gibbs, AC held the Eagles to negative total yards for the first half, and less than 100 for the entire game. Coach Tony "Mad Dog" Lambert's defense has to be one of the best defenses in 3A.

If Loudon is to have a chance against AE, they need to capitalize on turnovers. I was at the Anderson Co.-Loudon game in which AC threw three picks in the first quarter. If Loudon could've scored with these opportunities, they might have had a chance against the Mavericks. Without some help though, Austin-East rolls all over Loudon. AE 35-Loudon 10.

Not so fast my friend...this may not be as easy as last year. Gibbs seems to have a lot better team. They lost to a decent Kingston team two weeks ago only by a touchdown. I also look for the Mavs to be looking ahead a week to archrival Clinton. This game will be closer than the experts think. Anderson County 27-Gibbs 14.

Anderson County has a great following of fans. Whether it be a home or away game, AC almost always has more in attendance than the opposition. But I guess I shouldn't say this too loud...someone might figure out that no one is at home on Friday nights in Maverick country.

When I was at Anderson County, we had a ritual that always started on Thursday. After our light pregame practice on Thursday, we ate pizza and watched a movie together before we finally went home for bed. This was considered our "family night." Then after school on Friday we had Olive Garden cater us a pasta meal before the game.