Noah 32-2 (8-0)
Justin 30-4 (7-1)
Goose 30-4 (8-0)
Jacob 29-5 (6-2)
GOTW: White County (2-1) at Stone Memorial (2-1)
Noah: White County 35-28
This is a major measuring stick game in the top 4A region in the state with each team trying to prove they are in the upper echelon. The forecast looks better in Crossville than in other parts of the UC, so I think this could be a higher scoring game than elsewhere. Ultimately, Sparta’s size up front mixed with the dominance of Tripp Pinion leads me to lean towards the Warriors, but I think this will be a really good game.
Jacob: White County 35-21
The Warriors have looked really strong this season offensively and anytime you have Tripp Pinion you are going to have a good chance to win a ballgame. Stone Memorial has played some good football the last couple of weeks after dropping their opening game to the Cavaliers and I am interested to see how they match up in Region 4-4A this season. I think the weather may play a factor tonight and if it does I think that favors the Warriors with their rushing attack and big offensive line.
Justin: White County 31-27
Each of these teams have played Cookeville so far. Last season, Stone beat Cookeville on the road and the Warriors lost a close one at home. This year’s matchups against Cookeville saw both of these teams fall. White County pushed the Cavaliers to the brink, conversely the Panthers sputtered in their week one showdown. Stone went on the road and ran the ball well against White County in 2023 and won the game. White County’s passing game has made them two-dimensional and I’m taking the Warriors in this one.
Goose: White County 27-26
These two played a thriller last season and Thursday should be no different in Crossville. I don’t know which way to lean in this game, so I’ll go with the team that has Tripp Pinion in the backfield. Look for an incredible game on the UCR Game of the Week.
Livingston Academy (2-1) at Upperman (3-0)
Noah: Upperman 42-7
Too much Bronzden Chaffin and Ethan Palk in my opinion. The rain will create some havoc but I expect Upperman to run the football early and often. For Livingston, I’m looking for a more competitive showing than last week for a group that has the potential to play spoiler.
Jacob: Upperman 35-7
The Bees were able to get a victory last week in the game of the season so far and we’ll see if that weighs on them emotionally to start this game. Short week as well with the game being moved up, but I’m sure they’ll have a point of emphasis to start the game much faster. The Wildcats are trying to start like they did last week, but then keep that momentum up throughout the whole game. I think the Bees are a little too much for LA in the wind and rain.
Justin: Upperman 31-7
Do not be shocked if the Bess start a little slow here on a Thursday night kick after a slug best against Macon County last week. However, Coach Caine and staff are probably demanding a fast start after Upperman slept walked through most of the first half of last week’s contest. Tall task for LA to play the number one ranked team in 4A on a short week.
Goose: Upperman 34-6
Despite winning the game of the year against Macon in Week 3, the Bees probably aren’t satisfied with how they started a week ago. Look for a super-focused Upperman team to come out executing early against a Livingston program hoping to right the ship following a loss to DeKalb County.
Cookeville (3-0) at Lebanon (1-2)
Noah: Cookeville 28-7
Lebanon has been the boogeyman for the Cavs, but this year is different. The gameplan is likely simple offensively for CHS: run Owen, run Johnson, rinse and repeat. I expect the CHS offensive line to wear down the LHS front as they pull away late for the win.
Jacob: Cookeville 28-17
The Cavs did not play well in this game last year or even two years ago allowing 41 points each of the last two seasons to the Blue Devils. Lebanon has a much different look on offense this year, but still have some really good talent on both sides of the ball. I think Cookeville is the better team and has built a program that expects to win these ballgames on the road in a tough region environment. I think the Cavs get region play started on a high note.
Justin: Cookeville 21-17
In this game last year Cookeville started slow and got down early as Blake Owen got nicked up which led to a lopsided home loss. Barring any unforeseen injuries I do not see that happening again. I expect the Cavaliers to control the lines of scrimmage and lean on this Blue Devils defence. Defensively for Cookeville they will have their hands full with some of the Lebanon skill players but the Blue Devils do not have the dynamic playmaker at QB like Sparta did last week.
Goose: Cookeville 34-7
Despite Cookeville’s previous struggled with Lebanon, I think the Cavaliers are way too big and physical for the Blue Devils. Give me a dominant victory by Cookeville on the road to improve to 4-0.
Pickett County (1-2) at Cumberland County (1-2)
Noah: Cumberland County 35-6
Jacob: Cumberland County 35-0
Justin: Cumberland County 21-7
Goose: Cumberland County 42-6
Macon County (2-1) at Smith County (0-3)
Noah: Macon County 42-13
Jacob: Macon County 41-7
Justin: Macon County 38-14
Goose: Macon County 34-7
Monterey (2-1) at Clay County (2-1)
Noah: Clay County 35-7
Jacob: Monterey 21-20
Justin: Clay County 28-21
Goose: Monterey 26-20
Watertown (0-3) at DeKalb County (3-0)
Noah: DeKalb County 35-7
Jacob: DeKalb County 24-7
Justin: DeKalb County 35-10
Goose: DeKalb County 41-6
Jo Byrns (1-2) at Gordonsville (3-0)
Noah: Gordonsville 28-6
Jacob: Gordonsville 28-14
Justin: Gordonsville 28-7
Goose: Gordonsville 34-0
Jackson County (2-1) at Westmoreland (2-1)
Noah: Westmoreland 28-7
Jacob: Westmoreland 35-14
Justin: Westmoreland 31-17
Goose: Westmoreland 34-21
Bledsoe County (3-0) at York Institute (0-2)
Noah: Bledsoe County 35-28
Jacob: Bledsoe County 28-20
Justin: Bledsoe County 21-14
Goose: Bledsoe County 21-12