The first edition of the UC Top 5 football rankings were unveiled on the UCR Coaches Show Tuesday evening as week one of the 2024 season kicks off Friday night.
1. Upperman
The wire-to-wire #1 team in the 2023 UC Top 5 returns to #1 in the inaugural 2024 rankings coming off a 14-1 season and a Class 4A state runner-up finish. The Bees return quarterback Bronzden Chaffin and a stable of weapons including running back Ethan Palk, but have to replace multiple starters on the offensive and defensive lines. The Bees open with a trip to Fayetteville in week one. Upperman shut out the Tigers in 2023, 26-0, but fell in their last road trip to Fayetteville in 2022.
2. Cookeville
The Cookeville Cavaliers enter the 2024 season with high expectations following an 8-4 campaign in 2023. Cookeville returns plenty of size and their starting quarterback, Blake Owen. The Cavaliers are seeking revenge in week one as they travel to #5 Stone Memorial.
3. Macon County
The stars are aligning for a strong 2024 season in Lafayette as Macon County enters 2024 as the #3 team in the UC Top 5. The Tigers return a majority of their starters on both sides of the ball, including 2-time Mr. Football finalist Gabe Borders at wide receiver. The Tigers open with an old-fashioned rivalry game against Westmoreland on Saturday evening.
4. White County
2023 was a learning year for a young White County team, and now in 2024 the Warriors hope to put their experience to use against a loaded Region 4-4A schedule. The Warriors return do-it-all quarterback Tripp Pinion, who accounted for 1,872 rushing yards in 2023. White County opens their season at home against Silverdale Baptist.
5. Stone Memorial
The Stone Memorial Panthers enter 2024 with a plethora of new faces on the perimeter following the graduation of quarterback Nick Osmun, receiver Bear Eldridge and tight end/linebacker Brady Lane. Stepping into the quarterback role in 2024 is transfer Noah Potter, who will see a formidable test in week one against the Cookeville Cavaliers.
The UC Top 5 is revealed every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. on the UCR Coaches Show Presented by Fire & Vine live at www.facebook.com/uppercumberlandreporter