Loudon Redskins vs. Anderson County Maves Scrimmage Game

Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Josh McQueen

I have never had a good experience at Anderson County High School. Football and Basketball games alike have yielded a long ride home. One of the few opponents that the Redskins have a loosing record against, the Mavericks have had our number. Six attempts have all ended in the agony of defeat. Anderson County is best known for large physical teams with a punishing ground game. With this the final scrimmage before the start of the 2005 season, the ‘Skins really needed a big challenge to answer any lingering questions. A scorching East Tennessee August afternoon greeted the small band of parents and fans that made the trek to ACHS… in very short order things heated up on the gridiron as well.

With the ‘Skins moving the ball well against the larger Maverick team, #4 Cody Fritts scampered in from the two yard line to put Loudon up six. The “Big Red Wall” also held their own, forcing four punts. The offense continued to churn up the real estate. However, two field goal attempts (32 & 28 yds) were poorly executed as the snap, hold, and kick were out of sync.

After half time, the Loudon freshmen and JV went 10 plays on offense. The highlight was a driving twisting determined run by #33 Mark Longworth that was good for 18 yards. From there freshman quarterback #9 Brandon Johnson aired it out to a streaking #13 Ben Curtis, an over the shoulder catch in full stride put Curtis in the end zone from 40 yards out! In an attempt for a two point conversion, Johnson’s pass slipped right the hands of one #32 Travis “P-man” Pendelton. Good try “P-man”! On a bad note, freshman #40 Dane McNabb went down with a foot injury, a broken growth plate was diagnosed the next day. McNabb will be sidelined several weeks. .

The 1’s came back out. AC went on offense and was on the move and about to score. #11 Brandon Dixon picked off a short pass, he was off to the races. Dixon was finally dragged down on the 22 yard line - first and 10 Big Red! The “O-line” went right to work; they converted a fourth and two for a first down. Running behind pace setters #79 John Paul Hackney and #53 Jimmy McQueen, Hawkins pounded the ball into the end zone! Redskin teams of 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, & 2004 - this win’s for you!

LOUDON REDSKINS (Region 2-2A) STATS:

OFFENSE:

Rushing: 31 carries for 192 yds and (2) TD’s
#24 Josh Hawkins: (16) carries for 93 yds and (1) TD
#7  Mark Harrison: (2) carries for 9 yds                                      
#11 Brandon Dixon: (1) carry for 16 yds
#8  Tyler Campbell: (10) carries for 42 yds
#44 Matthew Packett: (1) carry for 4 yds
#4  Cody Fritts: (1) carry for 2 yds and (1) TD
#15 Blake McNew: (1) carry for 9 yds
#32 Mark Longworth: (1) carry for 17 yds 

Passing: 
The three quarterbacks (#4 Cody Fritts, #15 Blake McNew, 
and #9 Brandon Johnson) combined for: 4 of 11 for 63 yds, 
(0) INT’s, and (1) TD’s
#21 Cory Fritts: (1) receptions for 17 yds
#11 Brandon Dixon: (1) receptions for 3 yds
#24 Josh Hawkins: (1) receptions for 3 yds
#13 Ben Curtis: (1) reception for 40 yds and (1) TD


DEFENSE:
#81 Daniel Laughlin: (1) tackle for a -12 yd loss and (1) INT
#53 Jimmy McQueen: (2) tackles
#7  Mark Harrison: (2) tackles
#5  Taylor Eldridge: (1) Tackle
#50 Daniel Hampton: (1) Tackle and (1) assist 
#24 Josh Hawkins: (1) Tackle
#11 Brandon Dixon: (1) Tackle, (2) assists, & (1) INT 
    returned 62 yds to the 22 yard line
#61 Tim Ramsey: (1) Tackle for a -4 yd loss, tipped a pass, 
    and a fumble recovery
#85 Joe Webb: (2) Tackles
#51 Clay Matlock: (1) Tackle
#82 Cody Wiggins: (1) Tackle for a -13 yd loss
#44 Matthew Packett: (3) Tackles
#2  Ben Everett: (1) Tackle
#9  Jeremy Johnson: (1) Tackle for a -7 yd loss
#21 Cory Fritts: (1) Tackle

Misc:
Penalties: 1 for -15 yards
Fumbles: 5, lost 2
Punts: 2
First Downs: 10



Anderson Co. Maves  (Region 2-3A)

Rushing: 23 carries for 48 yds and (0) TD’s
Passing: 6 of 13 for 43 yds and (2) INT’s
Misc:
Fumbles: 1, lost 1
Punts: 4
First Downs: 7
Penalties: 2 for -15 yards