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 (22-7)
Chase Hoke: Color commentator at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (22-7)
Rusty Ellis: Sports Director at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (24-5)
Kailee Means: Sports Reporter at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (23-6)
Justin Matheney: Color commentator at the Upper Cumberland Reporter (22-7)
Game 1:
Livingston Academy (0-7, 0-3) vs Cumberland County (3-4, 0-3)
Last game:
Livingston Academy – 45-15 loss against Dekalb County
Cumberland County – 21-9 loss at Stone Memorial
Ellis:
Pick: Livingston Academy 7 – Cumberland County 24
Comments: Cumberland County is in real need of a region victory and I think they get it this week. Colin Brown will be a tough running back for the Wildcats to stop, and I think he puts up over 150 yards in a really sound win for the Jets.
Means:
Pick: Livingston Academy 21 – Cumberland County 28
Comments: This could ultimately be a competitive game if Livingston can figure out some things that could work against Cumberland County’s defense, but Cumberland County is a more experienced and veteran team than Livingston so I’m picking the Jets.
Matheney:
Pick: Livingston Academy 7 – Cumberland County 21
Comments: Unfortunately. Livingston’s season long struggle will continue against a much improved Cumberland County squad. The Jets should be able to control the ball and the clock while making things really tough for LA offensively.
Hoke:
Pick: Livingston Academy 7 – Cumberland County 17
Comments: Livingston Academy is a team that is hungry for a win, and have shown improvement throughout the course of the season. In a game that could be run heavy due to field conditions, I give the edge to Cumberland County. Give me the Jets!
McKay:
Pick: Livingston Academy 6 – Cumberland County 13
Comments: I think this is a low-scoring, physical football game. Livingston is in desperate need of a win, but Cumberland County is looking for their first region win in several years. I’ll take the Jets in a good one.
Game 2:
White County (3-4, 0-4) vs Hillsboro (1-6, 1-2)
Last game:
White County: 43-38 loss against Wilson Central
Hillsboro: 47-22 win over Hunters Lane
Ellis:
Pick: White County 31 – Hillsboro 34
Comments: Now I know what the records are, and the Warriors could easily come out and dominate, but I still need to see them do it to pick them. With the deflating loss last week, I have to ask if there’s a potential hangover effect and if that leads to a sluggish start. I think it will, I’ll take Hillsboro.
Means:
Pick: White County 21 – Hillsboro 17
Comments: With everything that happened in last week’s game I think that gives the Warriors motivation and what they need to win a region game. I think the Warriors are just fired up and ready to win.
Matheney:
Pick: White County 21 – Hillsboro 20
Comments: Hillsboro’s only win came last week against a one win Hunters Lane team. However, the did play Green Hill to a 21-20 loss which is much better than the game White County gave them. Playoffs are unfortunately out of the question for the Warriors at this point on the season so all we are playing for here is pride. Whit County in a close one.
Hoke:
Pick: White County 44 – Hillsboro 38
Comments: No ifs, ands or buts about it. The Warriors HAVE to win this week. There is a slim chance that they can make the playoffs, but the chance disappears if the lose yet again. Malaki Dowell will carry the load, and put the team on his back during the process. Give me the Warriors!
McKay:
Pick: White County 38 – Hillsboro 31
Comments: The White County defense has to get it together. The offense is scoring in bunches and Malaki Dowell is in the midst of an unbelievable season. If the defense can get some stops and force a turnover, it’ll be enough to win. The Warriors need this one, and I think they’ll get it done.