Every week, the UCR staff (Noah McKay, Rusty Ellis, Michael Lindsay, Jacob Vinson) will rank the top five high school football teams in the Upper Cumberland.
Week two of the high school football season is in the books, and there are a clear top-6 teams in the Upper Cumberland. Each of the top six teams won their games in dominant fashion, so there is no change in the order this week.
UC Top 5 – After week two of the 2023 high school football season
- Upperman (2-0, LW: 24-14 W vs Lebanon)
The Bees obliterated Lebanon in the first half, racing out to a 24-7 halftime lead with Lebanon’s lone score coming after a blocked punt. UHS then committed to the run (and running out the clock) in the second half as they cruised to a win over a 6A opponent. The UHS defense is stifling, and the offense is balanced. They’ve earned the top spot.
2. York (2-0, LW: 41-14 W vs Grace Christian)
The Dragons earned their second straight blowout victory, this time pulling away in the second half without the services of Myles Leffew (illness). The Dragons rushing attack propelled by Leffew and Logan Pannell is lethal, and they can also move the ball through the air. Couple that with a physical defense and York has all the makings of one of the top teams in the UC.
3. Stone Memorial (2-0, LW: 40-16 W @ Sweetwater)
The Panthers earned an impressive road victory at Sweetwater, once again putting up impressive numbers in the passing game. Nick Osmun can sling it, and Derik Samber is one of the state’s bright offensive minds. If not for the performances of the teams above them, Stone would have moved up the list this week.
4. Macon County (2-0, LW: 42-0 W vs Trousdale County)
The Tigers rolled through their first two weeks of the season. While they have not played the toughest schedule, they have looked good in both games. If the defense can continue to limit opponents, their offensive firepower led by Gabe Borders will deliver a bunch of wins. A huge test looms this week, as they open region play with the top-ranked Bees.
5. Smith County (2-0, LW: 21-0 W @ DeKalb County)
The Owls got their revenge as they defeated the injury-riddled Tigers. Riley Martin looked improved in his second start, and the defense did not allow the Tigers to get anything rolling. If they can continue to play that level of defense, they have an opportunity to move up the list further.
Honorable Mentions:
White County (2-0, LW: 35-6 W @ Warren County)
The Warriors have an argument to be as high as two on the list, and may find themselves there in the coming weeks. Every team ranked above them had impressive victories and earned their place, but that does not discredit the Warriors. Tripp Pinion has been special, and the supporting cast has been great around him. The Warriors look like a team that could make noise in Region 4/4A.
Monterey (2-0, LW: 21-0 W @ Rockwood)
The Wildcats play a physical brand of football, and now have an opportunity to make some noise on a statewide level when they welcome in state championship contender East Robertson into town. If they can control the line of scrimmage against the Indians, they can do it against anyone.