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 (30-5)
Buddy Pearson: News and Communications Director at Tennessee Tech University and longtime high school sports commentator (27-8)
Chase Hoke: Color commentator at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (29-6)
Scott Wilson: Longtime sports journalist and editor in the Upper Cumberland (25-10)
Adam Parks: Sports editor at Mitchell Media in Livingston (28-7)
Game 1:
Macon County (6-2, 2-1) vs Livingston Academy (6-3, 2-1)
Last week:
LA: 15-7 win over York
Macon County: Cancelled game against White County due to weather
Pearson:
Pick: Livingston Academy
Hoke:
Pick: Macon County
Comments: Macon County is a really good football team. I think they will come out and look well rested and energized Friday night since last week’s game was canceled.
Wilson:
Pick: Macon County
Parks:
Pick: Livingston Academy
McKay:
Pick: Macon County
Comments: The Tigers got an unconventional bye week after not completing their game against White County. In a game between two good teams, I’ll take the team that is more well-rested.
Game 2:
Goodpasture (6-2, 2-2) vs White County (5-3)
Last week:
Goodpasture: 36-0 loss against CPA
White County: Cancelled game against Macon County due to weather
Pearson:
Pick: White County
Hoke:
Pick: Goodpasture
Comments: Goodpasture is a good football team that has been battle-tested this season. I think the Warriors will put up a good fight, but ultimately, I expect the Cougars to come out on top.
Wilson:
Pick: Goodpasture
Parks:
Pick: White County
McKay:
Pick: White County
Comments: The Warriors are playing really good football right now. They have an opportunity to get to seven wins this season after adding a bowl game against Green Hill next week, and I think they will be motivated to finish the season strong. Give me the Warriors in this one.
Game 3:
#9 Gordonsville (6-3, 4-0) vs #10 Monterey (7-1, 4-0)
Last game:
Gordonsville: 30-6 win over Jo Byrns
Monterey: 14-7 Overtime win at Clay County
Pearson:
Pick: Gordonsville
Hoke:
Pick: Gordonsville
Comments: This is a big game for both schools, but I think Gordonsville wins it. I think both teams are good and capable of winning this game, but I am going with my gut here. This definitely could go either way.
Wilson:
Pick: Gordonsville
Parks:
Pick: Gordonsville
McKay:
Pick: Gordonsville
Comments: This is an opportunity for Monterey to make a big statement. I’ve said repeatedly I think Gordonsville is the second-best team in 1A this season, and I think this may be their year to make a deep run. I’ll take Gordonsville in a close region championship game.
Game 4:
Blackman (3-6, 3-3) vs Cookeville (6-3, 3-3)
Last week:
Blackman: 30-7 win at Siegel
Cookeville: COVID-19 win over Rockvale
Pearson:
Pick: Cookeville
Hoke:
Pick: Blackman
Comments: Blackman has a great passing attack, and I think Cookeville will struggle defensively. This is a win-and-in game for both schools, so both will come out ready to play. Unfortunately, this is where I have the Cavaliers’ season ending.
Wilson:
Pick: Cookeville
Parks:
Pick: Cookeville
McKay:
Pick: Blackman
Comments: This game is essentially a playoff game, and I can certainly see CHS getting a home win to punch their ticket to the postseason. Blackman’s record is deceiving, as they have played a brutal schedule. Ultimately, I think Blackman has more ways to beat a team, including a really good air attack and running game, so I’ll give a slight edge to the Blaze.