EXPERT PREDICTIONS Presented by TLTSportsPerformance: Quarterfinal Round

Quarterfinals Picks

Noah 106-13 (3-1)

Justin 102-17 (3-1)

Goose 102-17 (3-1)

Jacob 100-19 (3-1)

 

GOTW: Macon County at White County

Noah: Macon County 28-21

It won’t surprise me if this is too many points considering how the defenses are playing, but Macon County’s offensive explosiveness is tough to keep down for long. For me this game comes down to one question: Is Tripp Pinion nearly healthy? If he is, Sparta has a great chance to make history, if not, the Tigers earn the right to host a semifinal matchup.

Justin: Macon County 35-21

This game speaks for itself tonight in Sparta. Two red-hot teams meet on a frozen field, and I’ll take Macon County in a thriller.

Jacob: Macon County 28-24

These two defenses have been top notch the last few weeks. Obviously, White County handled Macon County in the regular season. I think the Tigers have their full attention on the Warriors and with how their offense has been playing I think they do just enough to get to their fourth semifinal in school history. 

Goose: Macon County 21-20

One of the closest margins between teams I’ve seen in a long time, and I’ve struggled for a week on making this pick. Both teams bring physical defenses and strong run games to the field, and this one should be an absolute thriller. I’m leaning Macon in a down-to-the-wire finish.

 

Bledsoe County at York Institute

Noah: York Institute 27-14

The Dragons will have to bring their A-game against a Warriors squad who will be ready to play. Fortunately, the Dragons have a host of weapons to score against a really good Bledsoe defense, and I think they make the semis for the third straight year.

Justin: York Institute 41-20

This game looks like an instant classic on paper, but I’ve got a feeling York gets it done big on the Mountain.

Jacob: York Institute 21-14

This was the game that set York on the right path beating Bledsoe County 20-7 in week four after their bye. Since then, neither team has lost and both defenses have been very good. I like York up on the mountain to the semifinal round for the third year in a row. 

Goose: York Institute 26-6

Take every piece of cold weather gear you own if you’re going to Jamestown tonight, it’s going to be frosty on the Mountain. Weird things happen in weather games, but York’s defense and ability to run the ball should hold up tonight to clinch another semifinal berth for the Dragons.

 

South Pittsburg at Clay County

Noah: South Pitt 48-35

This figures to be the exact opposite of what you would expect in a 1A football game. Tons of scoring. The Pirates are the defending champs for a reason, and while I think Clay County may be one of the few teams in the class who can hang, ultimately I’ll lean towards South Pittsburg. 

Justin: South Pitt 34-28

This game should be an instant classic, but South Pittsburg is the defending state champion for a reason. I’ll take the Pirates in a close one.

Jacob: South Pitt 47-35

South Pitt has been the cream of the crop for the last decade and a half in the 1A classification and that is no different this year. They bring two Mr. Football semi-finalists to Celina and have a good amount of size on both front lines. If Clay wants to win they may need to turn it into a shootout. I think the Bulldogs fall just short to a very good South Pitt team tonight. 

Goose: Clay County 36-35

I wish I could make it to Celina for this thriller tonight, but regardless the game should be electric. Everything on paper leans South Pittsburg, but I believe some Celina magic will take place and the Bulldogs find a way to pull off the victory.