Week Eight (Friday, October 9)

The week eight guest picker is UCR commentator Colin Castleberry. Colin has been helping UCR for years and can be heard across the Quality Family UCR Media Network.

#1 Goose: 69-12 (12-0)

#1 Noah: 69-12 (11-1)

#3 Jacob: 67-14 (11-1)

#4 Justin: 66-15 (11-1)

#5 Guests: 65-16 (10-2)

 

UCR GOTW Presented by Mayberry’s Furniture: York Institute (3-4) at Upperman (5-2)

Noah: Upperman 35-7

York is playing really well, but Upperman is proving to be a juggernaut again. If the Dragons keep it close it is great news for them moving forward back in 2A play.

Jacob: Upperman 35-7

The Bees have found their rhythm these last couple of weeks both running the football and almost completely shutting down opposing run games. York has also found their rhythm with two wins in a row, but now take a big step up in competition. I like Upperman to handle business and head into the bye with a big win. 

Goose: Upperman 35-14

If you asked me to pick this one three weeks ago, I would’ve taken Upperman to win an 8-7 game that sets football back 100 years. Don’t look now, but Upperman’s offense has shown some big-play ability the last two games. Elijah Barlow has settled in at quarterback and is opening up opportunities in the passing game, forcing defenses to lighten the box for their patented run game. York and coach Mark Pemberton will have a few tricks up their sleeve, but ultimately Upperman should be too much for the rebuilding Class 2A Dragons.

Colin: Upperman 28-14

Like Goose this is a game several weeks ago I would’ve assumed was set to be played in the 1950’s. The Bees however have taken some major strides these past few weeks and I would not expect that to stop taking on a York team that is better than I maybe thought they would be, but don’t stand up to a program like Upperman who is getting hot and right at the correct time.

Justin: Upperman 37-13

 

UCR Midstate Game of the Week: Jackson County (6-1) at Cannon County (5-2)

Noah: Jackson County 28-21

I’ve picked against JC in a couple of big games, and last week they made me pay. The Blue Devils just keep finding ways to win, and I think Colt Loftis has another big night and they get it done again.

Jacob: Jackson County 28-21

I’m fully on the Jackson County bandwagon. The Blue Devils got a huge win last week to keep their hopes of a home playoff game alive and I think they secure those hopes tonight on the road. Jackson County likes to run the football and that’s one thing Cannon has struggled to slow down at times this season. Look for the Blue Devils to have a good night running and grinding out a tough win on the road. 

Goose: Jackson County 21-17

Jackson County has another huge game this week as they travel to Cannon County in Region 4-2A action. We’ve seen two extremes from Cannon this year: the version that blew out Clay County and the one that got beat 42-7 by Gordonsville. As long as Jackson County’s defensive front can hold up against a unique offensive look by Cannon, I think the Blue Devils grind out another close win.

Colin: Cannon County 21-14

I think this game could be closer than even 7 points, I just tend to avoid trusting high school kids to get 3 points on FG attempts. I picked CC because they have played the tougher schedule in my mind, and seem to have the stronger offense having scored 34 plus in every win. The only thing that gives me pause is that JC played Gordonsville so tough, and CC got blown out. I am going to believe that wouldn’t happen if they played again, it is the outlier. Again though, this game could go either way, and be closer than even a 7 point margin.

Justin: Cannon County 24-21

 

UCR2: Stone Memorial (3-4) at Livingston Academy (4-3)

Noah: Stone Memorial 28-13

Stone Memorial just has a little more experience in games like this, so I’ll lean their way in this huge region battle.

Jacob: Stone Memorial 28-14

A playoff spot is up for grabs for two teams who would love to be there at the end of the regular season. The Wildcats haven’t been there in a very long time and Stone was expected to be a top two seed this season. Stone played pretty well last week against Macon County and I think that continues this week against LA who’ve shown they are not to be taken lightly this year. 

Goose: Stone Memorial 28-20

A playoff spot is essentially on the line Friday in Hogeye, and this is Livingston’s best chance in years at returning to the postseason. Don’t let last season’s 42-8 win by Stone Memorial fool you; this game should be a lot tighter. It’s gut-check time for the Panthers, and I think they pass the test on the road.

Colin: Livingston 21-17

Again, I rarely trust kickers at the high school level, but I wanted to show that I think this matchup is that kind of tight, that someone will need a FG at some point to stay in it. 24-21 or 21-17, either way this is a 3 point game for me, and I think LA finds a way at home.Give me the home field advantage for Hogeye, and as Goose said, a playoff spot for the Wildcats.

Justin: Stone Memorial 27-18

 

White County (7-0) at DeKalb County (4-3):

Noah: White County 42-7

Jacob: White County 35-7

Goose: White County 41-7

Colin: White County 42-13

Justin: White County 44-7

 

Gordonsville (6-1) at Trousdale County (3-4)

Noah: Gordonsville 28-20

Jacob: Gordonsville 28-14

Goose: Gordonsville 34-14

Colin: Gordonsville 35-7

Justin: Gordonsville 41-21

 

Smith County (1-6) at Moore County (1-5)

Noah: Smith County 14-7

Jacob: Moore County 21-14

Goose: Smith County 31-7

Colin: Smith County 28-14

Justin: Smith County 27-15

 

Cumberland County (0-7) at Rockwood (5-2)

Noah: Rockwood 42-0

Jacob: Rockwood 35-0

Goose: Rockwood 42-6

Colin: Rockwood 35-0

Justin: Rockwood 49-3

 

BYE WEEK:

Clay County

Cookeville

Macon County

Pickett County

Red Boiling Springs

Warren County