This season, a group of experts will predict the outcomes of the high school football games for Cookeville, Livingston Academy, Monterey, Upperman and White County.
The experts have decades of combined experience covering high school sports in the Upper Cumberland with a variety of outlets.
Note: These predictions are purely opinions. The Upper Cumberland Reporter wishes each of the teams in the Upper Cumberland good luck in their contests.
Our experts:
*Prediction record noted by ()
Noah McKay:COO and play-by-play announcer at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (2-0)
Buddy Pearson:News and Communications Director at Tennessee Tech University and longtime high school sports commentator (2-0)
Chase Hoke:Color commentator at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (2-0)
Scott Wilson: Longtime sports journalist and editor in the Upper Cumberland (1-1)
Adam Parks:Sports editor at Mitchell Media in Livingston (2-0)
Ben Craven: Longtime sports reporter at the Cookeville Herald Citizen (0-0)
Week 2:
Game 1:
Livingston Academy (1-0) vs Cookeville (1-0)
Last week:
Cookeville: 28-0 win over Upperman
Livingston: 12-10 win over Westmoreland
Pearson:
Pick: Cookeville
Hoke:
Pick:Cookeville
Comments: Cookeville looked really good against Upperman last week. With Cookeville’s size on the offensive and defensive lines, and the leadership and play from Senior QB Stockton Owen, they are going to be a tough team for anyone to beat. Logan Sides really emerged last week, and I think it is going to be tough for Livingston to slow down Cookeville’s physical running game.
Wilson:
Pick: Cookeville
Comments:if this was played in the 7th or 8th week of the season, I might think this would be a good game. However, the Cavaliers are rolling after blanking Upperman and the momentum should continue Thursday
Parks:
Pick:Cookeville
Comments: LA is still trying to find their offensive identity, working with some new guys and a whole new game plan, it may take a few more weeks to get completely adjusted. Stockton Owen is looking like a stud so far. Cookeville seems like a lock.
Craven:
Pick: Cookeville
McKay:
Pick: Cookeville
Comments: Livingston’s front-seven is good enough to present challenges to Cookeville’s running game, but I think the Cavs have too much size and experience. I’ll take Cookeville in this rivalry matchup.
Game 2:
Upperman (0-1) vs Dekalb County (0-1)
Last week:
Upperman: 0-28 loss against Cookeville
Dekalb County: 24-30 loss against Warren County
Pearson:
Pick: Upperman
Hoke:
Pick: DeKalb County
Comments: This is a game that I have went back and forth on all week long. These are two good football teams. I am giving the slight edge to the Tigers this week. Upperman is still trying to figure out who is going to be the leader of their offense. For DeKalb, it is undoubtedly Axel Aldino. One matchup I am really looking forward to seeing is Upperman WR Daniel Metzgar and DeKalb DB Desmond Nokes. Both of these guys are very smart and athletic football players, and I cannot wait to see them face off head to head this week.
Wilson:
Pick: Dekalb County
Comments:Upperman, I believe, is still trying to find some answers. DeKalb County dropped a narrow game to an improved Warren County team last week. DeKalb County coach Steve Trapp – considered by most other coaches as an offensive guru – will find a way.
Parks:
Pick: Dekalb County
Comments: Both teams are good, but DeKalb seems like they’re going to be a force this year. Hard to bet against Upperman but give me the Tigers by a touchdown.
Craven:
Pick: Upperman
McKay:
Pick: Upperman
Comments: This has all the makings of a great football game. Dekalb County quarterback Axel Aldino is a true-dual threat with a great arm, but I think Upperman’s secondary has enough talent to slow down the Tigers offensive attack. Look for Ty Dutchess and Daniel Metzgar to have big games. I’ll take the Bees in a close one.
Game 3:
Cumberland County (0-1) vs White County
Last week:
Cumberland County: 12-20 loss against Scott County
White County: No game
Pearson:
Pick: Cumberland County
Hoke:
Pick:White County
Comments: White County is a young team, but they know exactly what their identity is. They are a physical running football team. Sophomore QB Malaki Dowell adds a new dimension to this team as well. His ability to tuck and run allows the offense to keep opposing defenses guessing. Coach Frasier really loves what he has in this kid and I am excited to see what he is able to do on the field.
Wilson:
Pick: White County
Comments:White County, set back a week because of health issues, will open the season with a win over Cumberland County and new coach Noah Repasky – former assistant at Upperman.
Parks:
Pick: White County
Comments: Cumberland seems like they’re getting their stuff together, but I don’t think White County is the team to end their drought on. White County by 3 scores.
Craven:
Pick: White County
McKay:
Pick: White County
Comments: This is a much-improved and well-coached Jets team that could absolutely go to Sparta and win, but I think the excitement coming from this being the Warriors first game of the season combined with Malaki Dowell’s playmaking ability will give Sparta enough to win the game.