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 (33-6)
Buddy Pearson: News and Communications Director at Tennessee Tech University and longtime high school sports commentator (28-11)
Chase Hoke: Color commentator at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (33-6)
Scott Wilson: Longtime sports journalist and editor in the Upper Cumberland (28-11)
Adam Parks: Sports editor at Mitchell Media in Livingston (29-10)
Game 1:
Livingston Academy (6-4, 2-2) vs Nolensville (5-3, 4-1)
Last game:
Livingston Academy: 13-0 loss against Macon County
Nolensville: 35-28 win against Marshall County
Pearson:
Pick: Nolensville
Hoke:
Pick: Nolensville
Comments: Livingston Academy is a good team that has had a pretty good season, but I feel like this is where it ends for the Wildcats.
Wilson:
Pick: Nolensville
Parks:
Pick: Livingston Academy
McKay:
Pick: Nolensville
Comments: This Nolensville team is very good. Livingston’s defense is going to need to keep LA in the game, but ultimately I think this Nolensville team has a bit too much firepower.
Game 2:
Sale Creek (4-6, 2-2) vs Monterey (7-2, 4-1)
Last game:
Sale Creek: 42-6 loss at Fayetteville
Monterey: 20-13 loss against Gordonsville
Pearson:
Pick: Monterey
Hoke:
Pick: Monterey
Comments: Monterey hung tough last week against a very good Gordonsville team. I think this game will be close, but Monterey looks poised to make a run. Give me the Wildcats!
Wilson:
Pick: Monterey
Parks:
Pick: Monterey
McKay:
Pick: Monterey
Comments: It’s time for the Wildcats to finally get the playoff monkey off their backs. Give me Monterey.
Game 3:
Signal Mountain (4-6, 2-3) vs Upperman (7-3, 5-0)
Last game:
Signal Mountain: 20-7 win against Sweetwater
Upperman: 27-6 loss at Watertown
Pearson:
Pick: Upperman
Hoke:
Pick: Upperman
Comments: The Bees lost to a very good Watertown team in their last game, but I expect them to bounce back this week. Give me the Bees in a close one!
Wilson:
Pick: Upperman
Parks:
Pick: Signal Mountain
McKay:
Pick: Upperman
Comments: This Signal Mountain team presents a challenge, but I think the Upperman defense has a big game, and look for Ty Dutchess to take this one over. Give me the Bees.