Week 3 2024 Picks, Presented by TLTSports Performance, Where the Athletes of Tomorrow Train Today
GOTW: Macon County at Upperman
Noah: Upperman 27-14
This game has huge postseason implications, and Macon County will be hungry to knock off the Bees for the first time since 2004. Both teams have several offensive weapons, but I’m leaning towards the Bees in large part due to the progression of Bronzden Chaffin. His unique combination of size and skill is a matchup nightmare. Couple that with a UHS home field advantage and I’ll take the Bees in this one.
Jacob: Upperman 28-14
It sure seems like the Bees are just as good if not better than last season to this point. The Tigers sure have a lot to be excited about with their team as well, but being in Baxter and how cleanly the Bees have played their first two games I give the edge to Upperman. Expect the Tigers to battle, but the Bees get the job done at home.
Justin: Upperman 21-20
To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man. That’s something Macon’s not done in a long time in this series. Upperman seems to be better at the skill positions this year than last, even though the trenches on both sides of the ball have replaced a ton of production. The Borders boys will keep opposing coaches up through the game plan week all season. If the Tigers can get some help and not have the back breaking turnovers this one could be close late.
Goose: Upperman 24-20
The biggest game of the early-season slate goes down in Baxter with two of Class 4A’s best facing off. Macon County has the tools and coaching to win this showdown, but Upperman hasn’t lost a beat from last season’s historic run. Macon County pushes them to the brink, but give me the Bees in a thriller.
White County at Cookeville
Noah: Cookeville 42-35
The same score as last year. The emergence of Sparta’s passing attack adds a whole new dimension to this game. If they can do that effectively all night, they have a great shot. Ultimately, I think the size and physicality of Cookeville’s front could loom large in the second half. Potential game of the year contender.
Jacob: Cookeville 24-21
The last two matchups between these two have been all-timers and both have been high scoring affairs. Funny enough, this year both offenses are averaging 41.5 ppg led by two supremely talented quarterbacks. I think both defenses are a little better this year which leads to a lower scoring affair, but still just as tight. Give me the Cavs by a field goal late.
Justin: Cookeville 35-31
Good, old-fashioned hate. Sign me up until I die picking my Cavaliers. This is the biggest test for both of these teams to start the year. Sliverdale and Warren County are not great defensively by any means but the White County passing attack has caught my eye. The Warriors have got the ball into playmakers hands in space. Taking a little pressure off of Trip. On the other sideline the Cavaliers are going to play smash mouth football all night. Blake Owen is a battering ram of a QB and Thomas Johnson is the lightning to that thunder. Very intrigued to see how these respective defences hold up against the others’ offence.
Goose: Cookeville 28-21
One of the best games of the season goes down at Cookeville tonight as the Cavaliers host White County. Both offenses have been putting up big-time numbers through two weeks, but I see both defenses stepping up and keeping the game from being too high-scoring. Cookeville is a force to be reckoned with up front, and I think that makes the difference.
DeKalb County at Livingston Academy
Noah: DeKalb County 27-20
The biggest game in the new Tom Davis Memorial Stadium. Livingston has taken care of business against two inferior opponents. The equation changes this week. That doesn’t mean the Wildcats can’t get a big win, it’ll just be tougher. Jordan Parker has been great through two weeks. Steve Trapp is one of the most underrated coaches in the state, and he’ll have the Tigers fired up rolling into HOGEYE country. Ultimately, I think Ryan Lyons is the difference in the game.
Jacob: DeKalb County 21-7
DeKalb County has somewhat been our “surprise” team so far this season with how well they’ve played through two weeks. They looked great last week against Smith County and Jordan Parker is proving himself to be a problem for opposing defenses. The Wildcats are 2-0 for the first time since 2019 and exactly where you expect them to be. I think the Tigers have a little too much firepower for the Wildcats to stay undefeated.
Justin: DeKalb County 31-21
Our third battle of undefeated teams in Week Three is a tough one to pick. LA’s two wins are over an extremely down Trousdale squad and Jenkins. Enough said there. DeKalb’s wins aren’t against world beaters in Warren County and a Smith County team trying to find their identity. Jordan Parker and Ryan Lions are going to be the best two skill players on the field and I look for them to make a huge impact. If the Wildcats can contain those two they will have a shot to pull one out.
Goose: DeKalb County 34-13
Another battle of undefeated teams sends DeKalb County to Livingston Academy this week. The Tigers’ balanced offense and ability to hit big passes on early downs makes them tough to handle, and I think that’s the difference against an improving Livingston squad.
Stone Memorial at Cumberland County
Noah: Stone Memorial 42-7
Jacob: Stone Memorial 35-14
Justin: Stone Memorial 42-14
Goose: Stone Memorial 32-13
Trousdale County at Gordonsville
Noah: Gordonsville 49-0
Jacob: Gordonsville 34-0
Justin: Gordonsville 38-7
Goose: Gordonsville 42-0
Pickett County at Red Boiling Springs
Noah: RBS 35-0
Jacob: RBS 21-0
Justin: RBS 27- 7
Goose: RBS 41-12
Clay County at Jackson County
Noah: Clay County 28-14
Jacob: Jackson County 21-14
Justin: Clay County 35-21
Goose: Clay County 28-27
Smith County at Liberty Creek
Noah: Liberty Creek 21-14
Jacob: Smith County 14-7
Justin: Smith County 21-10
Goose: Liberty Creek 27-20