Each week Team UCR predicts high school football games across the Upper Cumberland, presented by TLTSports Performance.
Note: These picks are all opinion-based and intended to foster conversation about high school sports.
Experts:
Rusty Ellis: Sports Director
Jacob Vinson: Livestream Director
Michael Lindsay: Senior Sports Reporter
Justin Matheney: Co-Owner/Lead Color Commentator
Noah McKay: Co-Owner/Lead Play-By-Play Commentator
Week 10, 2023:
GOTW: Stone Memorial at Upperman
Rusty:
Pick: Upperman 24-10
Comments: This is one of the biggest reasons for Upperman’s revenge tour. They’re out for revenge for last season’s loss to Stone, and Stone’s out to prove that wasn’t a one-time thing. Ultimately, I’ll give the edge to the home team in this one. What will be close early will turn into a more comfortable Bees victory thanks to a great defense and just one too many big plays from the offense.
Jacob:
Pick: Upperman 21-14
Comments: This was one of the games of the season last year and I think it’ll be pretty good this year as well. Upperman has looked the part on their “revenge tour” and this Stone team is certainly on that list of revenge after losing by a two-point conversion last year. The Panthers have shown a propensity to make costly mistakes this season and that can’t happen against the Bees in Baxter. I like Upperman in a close one.
Michael:
Pick: Upperman 20-12
Comments: The top two teams in Region 4-4A face off in Baxter with monumental playoff implications on the line. Last year’s was a thriller, and I wouldn’t expect any different tonight. Upperman’s defense has been elite this season, but look for Stone Memorial to have a few tricks up their sleeves to get the ball moving. I’ll take Upperman in a tight one.
Justin:
Pick: Upperman 23-15
Comments: To be the Champ you gotta beat the Champ. Let’s cut the bull here. We know the Boys in Baxter have had this one circled on their calendar all year. The Bees are as good if not better than York is on defence. However, two weeks ago Stone Memorial left plenty of plays on the field that could have turned that game around against the Dragons. One advantage I see for the Panthers is the week off before this game.We know Coach Samber used that week to get rested up and healthy. We also know Coach Caine and the UHS defence will have their antennas up for new/trick plays with that week off.
Noah:
Pick: Upperman 28-14
Comments: The anticipation for this game has hit a fever pitch. These are two good football teams, but Upperman has been a juggernaut so far this season. Stone will need to get some things corrected in their off week, if they did then they could make it two straight over UHS. Ultimately, I think Clayton Harris has a big night as Upperman secures the region title.
Green Hill at Cookeville
Rusty
Pick: Cookeville 27-24
Comments: I’ve said all year that I’ve needed to see it happen and Cookeville has turned me into a believer. This is a chance for them to keep their hopes for the two-seed alive and secure their spot in the postseason. The ground-game has been great thanks to Blake Owen, Thomas Johnson, Caden Outlaw and now Jourdyn Burruss, and Owen’s become much more efficient passing the ball. I’ll go with Cookeville in a tight one.
Jacob:
Pick: Cookeville 24-21
Comments: I may be drinking the Kool-Aid, but the Cavaliers have me a believer. They’ve looked great in their last two games and Blake Owen is playing as well as anybody at quarterback right now. The defensive line has been a difference maker as well. The defense will have to have an answer for Hawks TE Aaron Mattingly who has five Division I football offers. Give me the Cavs by a field goal.
Michael:
Pick: Green Hill 27-20
Comments: Friday’s game has massive playoff implications as Cookeville hosts 6-2 Green Hill. The Hawks are coming off an overtime loss to LaVergne while Cookeville is riding a 3-game win streak. I’ll take Green Hill in a tight one, but this one could go either way.
Justin:
Pick: Cookeville 21-20
Comments: I’m stealing Noah’s comments from The Coaches Show on Tuesday. The Cavs are playing better football right now. However, Green Hill has a roster that can give Cookeville tons of fits. Green Hill had a big physical WR, athletic QB and RB as well. Cookeville has to play lights out from start to finish to pull this one out.
Noah:
Pick: Cookeville 24-23
Comments: Cookevill is playing their best football of the Hennigan era, and some of their best football as a program in a long time. They have an opportunity to get within striking distance of the two-seed with two wins to finish the season. I’ve been impressed with the focus of CHS in recent weeks, and they’re playing better than Green Hill entering this one.
Livingston Academy at Cumberland County
Rusty:
Pick: Livingston Academy 24-3
Comments: Livingston’s made good strides this year and though it won’t be enough for a playoff appearance, it’ll be enough to avenge last season’s defeat at the hands of CC. A game that means nothing on paper will mean everything to these two teams, as neither has a region win to this point. I’ll take LA.
Jacob:
Pick: Livingston Academy 21-7
Comments: Both teams come into this one looking for their first region win of the season. It was a battle last year in Livingston at 7-0. The Jets offense has found a little bit of life in recent games while the Wildcats are coming off their worst loss of the season before the bye. If the Wildcats were able to get healthy and refocus in the break, I think they take care of business in Crossville.
Michael:
Pick: Cumberland County 14-13
Comments: The Jets have had Livingston’s number the past few years, and I could see that trend continuing Friday night. Cumberland County hosts the contest and that could be the difference for coach Noah Repasky’s squad.
Justin:
Pick: Livingston Academy 14-13
Comments: I’ll take LA here even though they don’t have a solid win that has counted on their schedule. Even though in my mind they earned a win against Whites Creek. Each team rolled Pickett County for wins. The Jets hold a one point overtime loss to Bledsoe County who sits at 6-2 on the year. However, LA has put up much more respectable performances against common opponents such as Upperman, Macon County, and Stone Memorial.
Noah:
Pick: Livingston Academy 21-14
Comments: This is a coin flip game. LA has been playing a little better than CCHS recently, but both teams have been inconsistent. Ultimately, I think Livingston has an advantage in Brodey Coffee at quarterback, and he makes enough plays to deliver a region win back to Hogeye.
DeKalb County at White County
Rusty:
Pick: White County 35-28
Comments:Sparta’s done a lot to change my mind about their playoff hopes in the last couple of games. The weapons around Tripp Pinion have come around and are starting to produce, and we’re seeing the evolution of the passing game as well. DeKalb will not make it easy, and it wouldn’t shock me if they won because of the multitude of weapons they possess, but in a game this close, I’m going with the home team that possesses the best player on the field. Looking forward to being at this one!
Jacob:
Pick: White County 28-24
Comments: In my opinion (and I think all of us agree), this game is a toss up. It’s also for a spot in the playoffs. White County has won their last two games and have looked like they are progressing very well on both sides of the ball. DeKalb has done the same and gotten healthier as the season has gone on. I think the home atmosphere helps Sparta to victory and into the playoffs in this one.
Michael:
Pick: DeKalb County 28-26
Comments: This should be a fantastic game as two programs battle for a playoff spot. I could see this game playing out about 10 different ways. I think DeKalb County is better than their record indicates, and when the Tigers are fully healthy they’re a challenge for any Region 4-4A program. Give me DeKalb County in a thriller.
Justin:
Pick: DeKalb County 28-27
Comments: Toughest game to pick for me this week. So much on the line for both teams. Essentially win and you’re in. We know Tripp will do Tripp things. Can anyone step up consistently and take some of that pressure off of him? Brizz, Malakiah, Chalfant, Jordan Parker are all going to have to play huge for the Tigers. Hopefully we get a classic in this one!
Noah:
Pick: DeKalb County 31-28
Comments: I have gone back-and-forth on this one all week. Sparta has the best player on the field and home field advantage, but Malachi Trapp is a matchup nightmare and Steve Trapp is very experienced in moments like this. Ultimately I think DeKalb’s experience shines just enough as they get the win, but it truly could go either way.
Monterey at Jackson County
Rusty:
Pick: Monterey 21-13
Comments: I won’t lie, the thought crossed my mind to take Jackson County. Monterey hasn’t filled me with a ton of confidence in this pick, but I decided I wouldn’t do it. Jackson County can really play the spoiler role this week, but I think Monterey does just enough to keep their playoff hopes alive going into Week 11.
Jacob:
Pick: Monterey 35-14
Comments: It’s win or go home for the Wildcats. They need a win in Gainesboro to keep their playoff chances alive. Even with a win they need some help from Trousdale County now to beat Westmoreland. It’s also a game to figure out the identity of Monterey. However, the Blue Devils sure would like to play spoiler on their home field. I think the Wildcats get back on track.
Michael:
Pick: Monterey 21-14
Comments: Monterey makes the trip to Jackson County Friday for a region showdown with the Blue Devils. Jackson County has shown strides this season, but Monterey should pull out a road victory to bounce back from last week.
Justin:
Pick: Monterey 21-7
Comments: The Wildcats need this one. On paper they are the better team. They have to play like it. I thought they were the better team last week but they weren’t able to pull it off, though.
Noah:
Pick: Monterey 28-14
Comments: Monterey has to have this one. I expect a bounce-back performance as they get a region W.
York Institute at Wartburg
Rusty:
Pick: York Institute 41-0
Comments: York rolls, nothing of note to see here.
Jacob:
Pick: York Institute 35-0
Comments: I went against York for the first time all season last week. That was a mistake. I won’t be making that mistake again (most likely for the rest of this season…playoffs included). Dragons roll on the road.
Michael:
Pick: York Institute 48-6
Comments: The 8-0 Dragons travel east for a region showdown with Wartburg Friday. York Institute has played back-to-back games against high-level competition, so they should be more than ready for their trip to 2-6 Wartburg. Look for York to get ahead early and cruise to their ninth win of the year.
Justin:
Pick: York Institute 28-0
Comments: Dragons come out on fire after two weeks of playing higher levels of competition. I expect to be sharp offensively and suffocating defensively. Get ready for a fun playoff run in Jamestown folks.
Noah:
Pick: York Institute 35-0
Comments: 10-0 incoming for the Dragons. If you line up against them in the 2A playoffs, good luck.
Macon County at Watertown
Rusty:
Pick: Macon County 35-0
Comments: Another dominant performance by the Tigers on both sides of the ball, I’m not sure there’s another team playing better than Macon has the last several weeks. It sets up what should be an instant classic in Lafayette next week when Stone comes to town. Can we go ahead and fast-forward to that?
Jacob:
Pick: Macon County 35-7
Comments: Macon County has looked great this season. They are coming off their much needed bye where a lot of players were able to get healthy and rest up. Now a tune up game at Watertown, which will be a good challenge before the region finale against Stone. Tigers take down Tigers of the Purple variety on the road.
Michael:
Pick: Macon County 34-7
Comments: Macon County is hitting their stride late in the season as the Tigers face non-region foe Watertown. Give me Macon County big.
Justin:
Pick: Macon County 35-15
Comments: The boys in Lafayette are playing as good of complete team football as anyone in the Upper Cumberland right now. All three phases of the game are running like a well oiled machine as the regular season winds down. Macon County too much to handle right now for the Purple Tigers.
Noah:
Pick: Macon County 35-7
Comments: Macon County is firing on all cylinders entering this game. I expect the Borders brothers to go crazy again as the Tigers roll into a pivotal region showdown with Stone.