Friday, August 29, 2025
Check out the week-by-week predictions from UCR’s staff along with a new, rotating guest picker each week.
Week 2’s guest picker is the man himself from Warren County, Jeffrey “Big Cat” Simmons. Jeffrey runs the show at the Warren County Sports Authority and is an award-winning journalist in McMinnville.
Noah: 10-2
Justin: 10-2
Jacob: 10-2
Goose: 9-3
Upperman at Greeneville (GOTW)
Noah: Upperman 28-21
A great early-season litmus test for both squads with postseason aspirations. Each team rolled in one half last week in what was essentially a tuneup game. Can Greeneville match Upperman’s physicality better than they did in 2023? They’ll have to if they want to slow down Bronzden Chaffin and his host of weapons. On the other side, can Upperman limit Greeneville’s explosive passing attack?
Ultimately, I expect another massive game out of Chaffin as he leads the Bees to a signature win.
Justin: Upperman 35-28
An instant classic in the making tonight as two 4A heavyweights face off. Give me the new-look Upperman offense to hit them from all angles en route to a key non-region victory.
Jacob: Upperman 21-14
The new look offense of the Upperman Bees was exciting in week one with Bronzden Chaffin leading the charge. The Bees went and mashed Greeneville up front two years ago in the semifinals and I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to do that again early. Keep an eye out for Zay Anderson, the four star Tennessee commit, to make some big plays, but if the Bees can limit his production I like their chances.
Goose: Upperman 28-24
The matchup speaks for itself; two top-10 4A programs facing off in an awesome environment with Division 1 talent on both sides. Upperman’s offense is more dynamic than the 2023 edition that traveled to Greeneville and won in the semifinal round, and look for that explosiveness to be the difference in what should be a thriller.
Jeffery Simmons: Greeneville 28-21
This is obviously THE showcase matchup of the week featuring Upper Cumberland teams. Honestly, it may be one of the best matchups across the entire state. The Bees are good. The Greene Devils are good.
When it comes down to two evenly matched programs, I’m going to side with homefield advantage (Greeneville) and the star talent (which is, arguably, Greeneville’s UT signee Zay Anderson). It’s going to be a great game.
Macon County at Westmoreland (UCR2)
Noah: Macon County 42-14
The Tigers will be looking for a better start this week, and if they can do that I really like them in this matchup. Westmoreland wants to turn it into a 4 quarter fight, but ultimately I think MCHS has too many counter-punches to keep it that way.
Justin: Macon County 35-7
Macon County should be a lot smoother in week 2 and should overpower their old rival. Give me Lafayette comfortably.
Jacob: Macon County 35-14
The Tigers had a great showing in week one putting up 48 points. The offense was a little slow going out of the gates, but I expect them to have those mistakes fixed heading into week two against their rival. Tigers get the job done and keep building momentum.
Goose: Macon County 45-14
Macon County hits the road to an old-school rival in Westmoreland with plenty on the line in week 2. The Tigers were a little sloppy to start in week 1, but I think they clean a lot of it up in week 2 and cruise to a big victory. If their special teams recovers two more onside kicks and forces a fumble this week, I may give Eli Gammon a Mr. Football vote.
Jeffery: Macon County 42-7
I don’t have a lot of familiarity with either of these programs, but I do know Macon County is coming off a state championship and hasn’t lost to Westmoreland this decade. Easy enough for me: put me down for a blowout from the Tigers.
Warren County at Livingston Academy (UCR3)
Noah: Warren County 21-20
The hardest pick on the board this week, for me. Both teams have been building a lot of momentum through the preseason, and Livingston was able to parlay that into a week 1 blowout win while Warren County fell narrowly to rival DeKalb County. The LA run defense concerns me a little in this game, and while I would love to see a HOGEYE win, I think the Pioneers escape with a close win.
Justin: Livingston 21-13
Livingston/Warren is a pivotal game for both programs tonight as the Wildcats host the Pioneers in non-region action. Give me the home team to get it done.
Jacob: Livingston 28-21
The Wildcats looked great in week one against the Jets. If they’re run defense can figure some things out this Wildcats team may have something going this year. Big opportunity this week against a 6A coming to their house. Look for the Wildcats offense to keep humming in week two.
Goose: Livingston 21-14
Week 1 was a fantastic showing for coach Kaleb QUALLS’ (my bad last week fellas) football team, and now they return home for a week 2 showdown with Warren County. Warren fell in a close week 1 rivalry game to DeKalb County, but I’m a big fan of coach Eric Belew and think he’ll right the ship for the Pioneers in the coming years. Livingston’s weapons are legit, and I think they’ll clean up a few defensive miscues from last week to pick up the victory.
Jeffery: Warren County 28-21
Did anybody expect the founder of the Warren County Sports Authority to come on here and pick AGAINST the Pioneers? Forget about it!
While the Pioneers weren’t able to get over the hump last Friday (In a wild game that was still going well into the UCR postgame reporting), I thought they looked like a much-improved squad. QB Brady Swallows was on point with his deep ball and the Robledo brothers (Isaiah and Kristopher) are legit weapons.
Here’s a name to look out for if you’re the Wildcats: Xavier Simmons (No relation). If the Pioneers can disrupt a potent LA offense, it’ll be because the big senior end has a big night.
Cookeville at Franklin Road Academy (UCR4):
Noah: FRA 28-14
A stiff test for a Cookeville squad that is hungry to have a better showing. This FRA team is loaded with weapons, and while I think the Cavs will keep it closer than many expect, it’s tough to pick against them on their home field.
Justin: FRA 28-21
It’s a tough road trip for the Cavaliers this week at Division II Franklin Road, and I think the home team does just enough against a Cookeville team that plays way better than week 1.
Jacob: FRA 35-14
The Cavaliers have to figure out how to score some points on offense this week after the struggle against Siegel. Defensively, they’re going to have their hands full with 4-star Omarii Sanders and 3-star Jayden Rush. This FRA team can really move the ball on offense, but will allow some opportunities defensively if the Cavaliers can capitalize. I think the Cavaliers struggle on the road in week two.
Goose: FRA 28-14
FRA has a stable of athletes and Power 4 talent across the board and will be competing for a state championship in Division II. The Cavaliers have their work cut out for them on the road and need to find their rhythm offensively to have a shot.
Jeffery: FRA 35-7
Giving me a chance to pick the Pioneers and pick against the Cavaliers is like an early Christmas present for anybody from Warren County. Honestly, I don’t have any deep disdain for Cookeville since the two schools rarely meet in district anymore (though that will change this winter). This is more just about having confidence in a really talented FRA squad.
Clay County at Smith County:
Noah: Smith County 28-14
Justin: Smith County 34-28
Jacob: Smith County 28-14
Goose: Smith County 28-21
Jeffery: Clay County 24-21
Stone Memorial at Coalfield:
Noah: Stone Memorial 35-20
Justin: Stone Memorial 28-21
Jacob: Stone Memorial 21-7
Goose: Stone Memorial 28-20
Jeffery: Stone Memorial 28-6
Midway at Jackson County
Noah: Jackson County 35-14
Justin: Jackson County 28-27
Jacob: Jackson County 28-21
Goose: Jackson County 27-21
Jeffery: Jackson County 31-28
White County at York Institute:
Noah: White County 20-6
Justin: White County 34-21
Jacob: White County 14-7
Goose: White County 28-20
Jeffery: White County 21-20
Sunbright at Pickett County
Noah: Pickett County 26-6
Justin: Pickett County 32-0
Jacob: Pickett County 21-7
Goose: Pickett County 16-0
Jeffery: Pickett County 14-7
Red Boiling Springs at Lookout Valley
Noah: RBS 35-14
Justin: RBS 21-0
Jacob: RBS 28-14
Goose: RBS 26-8
Jeffery: Lookout Valley 21-20
Watertown at Gordonsville
Noah: Gordonsville 28-20
Justin: Gordonsville 28-20
Jacob: Gordonsville 28-21
Goose: Gordonsville 35-14
Jeffery: Gordonsville 31-10
White House at DeKalb County
Noah: DeKalb County 28-21
Justin: DeKalb County 21-7
Jacob: DeKalb County 21-14
Goose: DeKalb County 27-14
Jeffery: DeKalb County 28-7