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 all have 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 (3-0)
Chase Hoke: Color commentator at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (3-0)
Rusty Ellis: Sports Director at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (3-0)
Kailee Means: Sports Reporter at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (3-0)
Justin Matheney: Color commentator at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (2-1)
Note: White County vs Warren County and Upperman vs Trousdale County was cancelled due to COVID-19
Game 1:
Cumberland County (1-0) vs Monterey (1-0) – Live on UCR 2
Last Week:
Cumberland County: 35-0 win over Whitwell
Monterey: 35-6 win over Cannon County
Ellis:
Pick: Cumberland County 21 – Monterey 31
Comments:
There’s no doubt that Cumberland County is a much-improved team in Noah Repasky’s second year at the helm, but I’m sticking with Monterey by a 31-21 score because of their defense. I think Colin Brown gets his, but I don’t think he comes close to the 281 yards and four touchdowns he had last week against Whitwell.
Means:
Pick: Cumberland County 7 – Monterey 35
Comments:
While Cumberland County picked up their first win since 2016 last week, I am going to give this game to Monterey. I just have a feeling that what Monterey did to Cannon last week is going to be déjà vu to them come Friday night. I don’t think Cumberland County has anything to stop Monterey.
Matheney:
Pick: Cumberland County 20 – Monterey 21
Comments:
Hoke:
Pick: Cumberland County 17 – Monterey 21
Comments:
The Wildcats looked impressive last week against Cannon County, and I expect another strong showing from the Wildcats. If they are able to slow down the Jets RB, Colin Brown, they will have a lot of success. Give me Monterey in a close one!
McKay:
Pick: Cumberland County 21 – Monterey 28
Comments:
This isn’t the Jets of old, and the Wildcats have to formulate a plan to slow down RB Colin Brown, but I think the Wildcats have more ways to win, so I’ll take them in a close game.
Game 2:
Livingston Academy (0-1) vs Cookeville (0-1) – High School Football Game of the Week on the UCR Facebook page
Last week:
Livingston Academy: 40-0 loss against White County
Cookeville: 28-6 loss against Upperman
Ellis:
Pick: Livingston 3 – Cookeville 21
Comments:
A battle between two teams in similar places, I’m going with the Cavs mainly because I trust their playmakers in Donovan Sullivan and Dontay Dillard just a bit more. I also think that Cade Apple and that Cavalier defense is going to be too much for that young LA offensive line.
Means:
Pick: Livingston 6 – Cookeville 40
Comments:
Same situation, we’re going to see a lot of déjà vu in this game as we did with Livingston’s game last week. This is Cookeville’s chance to get their first win of the 2021 season and give them some confidence.
Matheney:
Pick: Livingston 7 – Cookeville 21
Comments:
Hoke:
Pick: Livingston 7 – Cookeville 28
Comments:
Both of these teams are young and this is a great opportunity to get some experience before heading in to region play. The Cavaliers’ schedule is about to get tough, so I look for them to get the offensive kinks out this week, while Livingston looks to improve and protect the sophomore QB, Brodey Coffee, in his second career start. Give me the Cavaliers pretty handedly here with a score of 28-7.
McKay:
Pick: Livingston 7 – Cookeville 42
Comments:
This is a battle between two rebuilding teams, and it’s hard to predict a score. Ultimately, I think Cookeville’s depth and numbers will lead them to pull away in the second half and earn their first win of the season. Look for Cade Apple to have a huge performance for the Cavs.