UCR EXPERT PREDICTIONS: Week 2

GOTW: Upperman at Lebanon

Noah: Upperman 35-14

The Bees destroyed a way-down Fayetteville team last week. This week’s test is much tougher in a Lebanon team hungry for revenge. I look for the Bees to get back to their bread and butter, Bronzden Chaffin and Ethan Palk running the football with deep shots to Branson Turnbow and Carmine Phillips as the Bees roll into their week 3 showdown with Macon County.

Jacob: Upperman 28-20

The Bees looked as good as anyone in week one and now they get a much better test on the road. Lebanon had some really good pieces last year, but only went .500 and missed the playoffs. They lost a lot of their offensive production, but got a solid RB transfer in and a couple of good pieces defensively. I think this will be a great game to see how good the Bees are this year and good prep game for Macon next week. I like the Bees in a close battle. 

Justin: Upperman 21-14

Lebanon may look at this one as a revenge game. Last years game didn’t feel near as close as the final score indicated. Until I see someone beat the Bees it’s going to be hard for me to pick against them. 

Goose: Upperman 34-14

The Bees are on the road this week at Class 6A Lebanon, but I expect Upperman to take care of business behind another impressive week from Bronzden Chaffin. Lebanon has some great individual players, but Upperman has the better overall team and should finish the week with a victory.

Warren County at White County

Noah: White County 34-14

Tripp Pinion showed off his arm last week, this week I look for him to dominate on the ground. The Pioneers struggled to limit DeKalb County and Jordan Parker last week, and they’ll need to improve defensively in a hurry to avoid the same fate Friday night at Warrior Stadium.

Jacob: White County 35-7

The Warriors looked great offensively last week and Tripp Pinion threw it all over the yard. If he can continue to do that as this season progresses the White County offense could be scary. Warren County had some flashes in their loss against DeKalb in week one, but I think the Warriors are too much this week. 

Justin: White County 42-14

Probably pretty rare but this is another Region 4 4A team that I think is favoured over a 6A squad. Let’s see if the Warriors continue to expand on their week one passing attack. 

Goose: White County 41-7

The Warriors keep it rolling at Dee Harris this week against an old rival in Warren County. White County’s balanced offensive attack in week one should show back up in week two as they take care of business.

PURE Academy at Cookeville

Noah: Cookeville 35-7

PURE always has athletes, and it won’t surprise me if this one is close for a while but Cookeville’s physical attack should wear down PURE defensively in the second half. A 2-0 start for the Cavs before a huge rivalry matchup next week.

Jacob: Cookeville 28-14

Cookeville struggled in this game a little bit last year and I think partly because they were still trying to find themselves on offense. They stuck their roots in week one and it paid off big time against Stone. PURE will surely have some big time athletes, but their lack of depth will hurt them. Cavs get the job done at home. 

Justin: Cookeville 28-14

Give me my Cavs at home. There is no telling what kind of team rolls off the bus Friday night from Pure Academy. Look for Cookeville to establish the ground game early. 

Goose: Cookeville 35-13

PURE enters this game with plenty of question marks, but one thing we do know: they’ll have some speed. I don’t think it will be enough to handle this physical Cavaliers squad though, as Cookeville should control the game.

York Institute at Grace Christian

Noah: Grace Christian 42-28

York’s offense with Logan Pannell running the football should find success, but GCA has new life with a new head coach. The Dragons struggled defending the pass last week, and GCA passes as well as anybody in the state. 

Jacob: Grace Christian 35-21

York played really well at times last week, but really struggled to slow down the Clay County pass. Grace Christian loves to pass. They threw for 255 yards and five touchdowns in the first half against TAK last week and scored 56 points. The Dragons also need to limit their turnovers after coughing it up seven times last week. I think the Dragons have a tough time on the road in Knoxville. 

Justin: Grace Christian 27-13

Probably a bad matchup this week for the Dragons secondary that gave up some big passing plays to Clay County. If York can find a way to shorten the contest with their run game a creat a few turnovers they have a chance. 

Goose: Grace Christian 34-20

Grace can be a bad matchup for a lot of high school football teams with their love of throwing the football. Not getting beat deep and rushing the passer will be huge for York in this one as the Rams will take plenty of shots.

Jenkins at Livingston Academy

Noah: Livingston 49-0

The Wildcats can name their score in this one. They should be playing with a ton of confidence heading into a big region showdown with DeKalb County. 

Jacob: Livingston 52-0

The Wildcats are going to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2019 and set up for a really fun match up with DeKalb County in week three. Not a whole lot else to say about this one. HOGEYE wins big. 

Justin: Livingston 42-7

The Wildcats move to 2-0 against an outmanned Jenkins squad. 

Goose: Livingston 56-0

A focused Livingston group takes care of business at home and moves to 2-0 overall entering region play.

DeKalb County at Smith County

Noah: DeKalb County 21-20

Jacob: DeKalb County 21-14

Justin: DeKalb County 17-14

Goose: DeKalb County 27-14

Macon County at Trousdale County

Noah: Macon County 49-0

Jacob: Macon County 42-6

Justin: Macon County 35-0

Goose: Macon County 44-6

Clay County at Westmoreland

Noah: Clay County 21-14

Jacob: Clay County 35-0

Justin: Clay County 27 -10

Goose: Clay County 34-7

Sweetwater at Stone Memorial

Noah: Stone Memorial 34-14

Jacob: Stone Memorial 28-7

Justin: Stone Memorial 24 – 7 

Goose: Stone Memorial 26-6

Gordonsville at Watertown

Noah: Gordonsville 28-7

Jacob: Gordonsville 21-14

Justin: Gordonsville 28 – 7

Goose: Gordonsville 41-7

Red Boiling Springs at Midway

Noah: Midway 27-20

Jacob: Midway 20-14

Justin: Red Boiling Springs 21 – 20

Goose: Red Boiling Springs 20-12

Pickett County at Sunbright

Noah: Pickett County 28-6

Jacob: Pickett County 21-6

Justin: Pickett County 14-13 

Goose: Pickett County 28-6

Jackson County at Sale Creek

Noah: Jackson County 21-14

Jacob: Sale Creek 21-14

Justin: Jackson County 21-17

Goose: Jackson County 21-13

Bledsoe County at Cumberland County

Noah: Bledsoe County 28-7

Jacob: Cumberland County 14-6

Justin: Bledsoe County 7-6

Goose: Bledsoe County 27-20