CLINTON, Tenn. (WATE) — Anderson County saw its 2023 season end in the state quarterfinals, just one year removed from the Mavericks’ first ever state championship. This year, the Mavs look to get back to the gold ball game, but with a new quarterback under center.
“He’s really good,” said Anderson County wide receiver Trent Strickland. “He’s got a really good arm and really good vision. He always manages to find the right guy that’s open.”
Landen Hensley, who spent the past three seasons with Campbell County, is now the leader of Anderson County’s offense. The senior was the Region 3-5A quarterback of the year last season with the Cougars. Hensley recorded 2,397 passing yards with 17 touchdowns, and rushed for another 244 yards with eight scores on the ground.
Hensley now looks to have that same success with the Mavericks.
“Just a great kid, and great worker,” said Head Coach Davey Gillum. “He’s put in abnormal amounts of time and effort to get in and get caught up with us on the playbook and the mechanics. All the little things you want a quarterback to do to keep pushing his craft as a professional.”
Although last season didn’t end the way Anderson County had hoped, the Mavericks feel confident they can get back to the title game this season.
“We know what it takes to win a state championship, so we know how to get there,” said senior Cody Miller. “If we just keep doing what we’ve been doing, we know for a fact we can get there.”
“Getting over the hump is no small task, but this group has been a part of all that,” added Gillum. “They’ve been at the quarterfinals year after year. They’ve been a part of a state championship. They understand what it takes.”
Anderson County kicks off the 2024 season against Powell this Thursday at 7:30. You can catch the game on WATE.
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