The TriCitiesSports.com Pickin’ Panel gives the favorite nods to Hampton and Happy Valley in the Clash For Compassion Friday at ETSU’s William B. Greene Stadium, but the real winners will be the victims of flood-ravaged Carter County for whom the proceeds of the doubleheader will benefit.
Happy Valley was a unanimous pick over Unaka by the panel while Hampton is a 9-5 selection over Eagleton Academy.
Elsewhere, Cherokee was also a unanimous pick over rival Volunteer in a game in which we’ll refrain from infringing on an NFL Trademark as a label.
Elsewhere in week ten Tennessee High is a 9-5 favorite over West Ridge while North Greene and Cloudland is a toss-up at 7-7.
In the college ranks, the panel likes ETSU to pick its first win at Wofford since 1997 by a 12-2 count.
Last week, ESPN Tri-Cities’ Todd Freeman and Steve Wilmoth both fashioned 16-3 marks with Freeman pulling out to a three-game lead over Travis Leming who is stored away in second place.
TriCitiesSports.com’s Wade Littleton, defending and ten-time champion Parker Wilmoth, and old man Wilmoth are all four games back.
Here are this week’s selections:
TODD FREEMAN – Freeman Productions, ESPN Tri-Cities (16-3, 116-33)
Cherokee 42, Volunteer 7 -- The Chiefs are just a better team!
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 35, David Crockett 10
Science Hill 45, Daniel Boone 7
Tennessee High 28 West Ridge 21
Greeneville 40, Northview Academy 14
Johnson County 21, Holston 20
Unicoi County 38, Chuckey-Doak 17
South Greene 24, West Greene 14
Hampton 19, Eagleton Academy 12
Happy Valley 28, Unaka 16
North Greene 20, Cloudland 13
College Games
Ole Miss 42, Oklahoma 20
Alabama 32, Missouri 24
Texas 21, Vanderbilt 6
LSU 28, Texas A&M 26
Kentucky 26, Auburn 20
SMU 32, Duke 26
Oregon 38, Illinois 28
Indiana 17, Washington 14
Notre Dame 28, Navy 21
ETSU 24, Wofford 21
TRAVIS LEMING – Owner, Rocky Top Storage (15-4, 113-36)
Cherokee 42, Volunteer 14
Dobyns-Bennett 35, David Crockett 7
Science Hill 49, Daniel Boone 0
Tennessee High 35, West Ridge 14
Greeneville 56, Northview Academy 7
Johnson County 35, Holston 10
Unicoi County 31, Chuckey-Doak 7
South Greene 38, West Greene 7
Hampton 22, Eagleton Academy 21
Happy Valley 45, Unaka 0
Cloudland 24, North Greene 14
College Games
Ole Miss 35, Oklahoma 21
Alabama 21, Missouri 14
Texas 35, Vanderbilt 21
Texas A&M 31, LSU 3
Auburn 24, Kentucky 21
SMU 35, Duke 17
Oregon 42, Illinois 31
Indiana 28, Washington 24
Notre Dame 31, Navy 1
ETSU 28, Wofford 21
WADE LITTLETON – TriCitiesSports.com (13-6, 112-37)
Cherokee 38, Volunteer 14 -- The Chiefs are firing on all cylinders and are going to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. They need to make sure to stay as healthy as possible, but if last week's win over Sullivan East was any indication, they will have no problem getting up for the Hawkins County Super Bowl, which will make my umpteempth time (I lost count), let's see, six years in Rogersville, I don't know how many with.com and five in Morristown. Landon Jeffers has come full circle as a quarterback and with the running attack of Hayden Hook and company, Chiefs should not have an issue against Volunteer. Volunteer is a very young team, like Cherokee a few years ago, and will eventually come together. I believe there will be a new voice on the sidelines next season and I have a hunch that it is someone we all know who attended Volunteer. These Falcons will add some style points late, but the Chiefs will make Falcon Field their "Happy Hunting Grounds."
D-B 38, David Crockett 14 -- Pioneers are cannon fodder for D-B as they prepare for the Grand Finale for the Region I title next Friday against Science Hill. Tribe has a chance to be Washington County Champions, but more on that next week.
Science Hill 42, Daniel Boone 7 -- Toppers take Blazers to the shed and lay the wood to them. Toppers are warming up for the Dobyns-Bennett game next week for all the marbles.
Tennessee High 38, West Ridge 14 -- I wish I could pick the Wolves here, but the Vikings are just too tough. THS puts West Ridge out of its misery by conducting a Viking Funeral. They'll have to go to South Holston Lake to do that, however.
Greene Devils 48, Northview Academy 14 -- Greeneville is warming up for their game against Elizabethton next week, but will take care of business against a scrappy Northview team.
Johnson County 35, Holston 14 -- Some say there will be a letdown after the Longhorns defeated Gatlinburg-Pittman. Nonsense. Johnson County will wear their business attire since Friday's game is a business trip and they will kick the stuffing out of Holston.
Unicoi County 38, Chuckey-Doak 14 -- Blue Devils are loaded, Black Knights not so much. Unicoi by a lot.
South Greene 35, West Greene 21 -- I attend church with West Greene Coach Evan Monroe. I feel for him that things are not going as well for him in his second season. However, South Greene is the real deal and fans are jealous because they don't get enough coverage in the local paper than that city team. However, Coach Ricker and South Greene proved last week that they are nothing to sneeze at and deserve to go to the playoffs. Oh, yeah, and Rebel Hill is something else!
Eagleton Academy 28, Hampton 27 -- Hampton has enough issues due to the Hurricane. They will play tough for three quarters, but Eagleton will take control in the fourth quarter and take the win.
Happy Valley 38, Unaka 14 - Warriors have won their share of games this year and this should be no different. Unaka is limping to the finish line.
North Greene 29, Cloudland 28 -- Who to pick in this game? I'm not sure. Cosby edged Cloudland last week. North Greene has Yesua Vaught. I've got a hunch here. Cloudland doesn't lose many games at Orr Field, but the Huskies will run the Highlanders' losing streak to two in a row.
College Games
Ole Mess 35, Oklahoma 10 -- Rebels are needing a bounce-back. Choklahoma is just what the doctor ordered. Sooners' season has turned into a "Fansville" commercial invaded by Mayhem...
Bama 48, Missouri 28 -- Tide won't give the Tigers a chance once hitting the field. Mizzou is catching the Tide at a bad time...after a loss to Tennessee.
Texas 38, Vanderbilt 35 -- If the Commodores win THIS game, then I'm checking into the looney bin. That's because if Vandy beats Texas, the Vector Vortex has arrived early. However, the "Dores are catching Texas at a bad time...after a loss to Georgia.
LSU 38, Texas A&M 35 -- I can't see the Tigers losing at College Station, but stranger things have happened. Last-second field goal saves the Tigers.
Kentucky 31, Auburn 24 -- Wildcats are counting down to the real season, but this football team has been entertaining, if nothing else. Stoops puts the Cats on track to a beatdown in Knoxville next week.
Duke 21, SMU 14 -- Devils will edge Mustangs in Durham.
Oregon 42, Illinois 14 -- Oregon is too good.
Indianer 31, Washington 28 -- Hoosiers continue trek towards Big 10 title, but takes advantage of a Huskies team that has to make the Trans-Continental Flight from the West Coast.
Notre Dame 28, Navy 21 -- Notre Dame puts an end to Navy's championship hopes.
ETSU 38, Wofford 20 -- Bucs get a big win over the Terriers in South Carolina. Hopefully, it'll take less time for the Bucs to get to Wofford than the last time the Bucs went to The Citadel. I have all the respect for Tre Lamb. Sometimes, quality coaching is all the difference.
PARKER WILMOTH – Defending and 10-Time Champion (15-4, 112-37)
Cherokee 35, Volunteer 7 -- Rogersville reins supreme in Hawkins County.
DB 35, Crockett 14 -- DB just has too much depth for the Pioneers.
Science Hill 49, Boone 0 -- Boone's long season gets a little bit longer.
Tennessee High 28, West Ridge 14 -- Lots of speed in the Viking backfield.
Greeneville 42, Northview Academy 7
Johnson County 35, Holston 6 -- Longhorns with an impressive win last week.
Unicoi County 42, Chuckey Doak 6
South Greene 38, West Greene 8
Hampton 26, Eagleton Academy 16
Happy Valley 28, Unaka 8
Cloudland 28, North Greene 26
Ole Miss 37, Oklahoma 9 -- Sooners were dreadful last week
Alabama 35, Missouri 28 -- No, there is 0 noise piped into Neyland. It really is that loud.
Texas 42, Vanderbilt 24 -- No upset this week, Texas looking to get back after a loss.
Texas A&M 31, LSU 28
Auburn 17, Kentucky 14
SMU 42, Duke 31 -- SMU likes to score, a lot.
Oregon 42, Illinois 28
Indiana 45, Washington 21
Notre Dame 21, Navy 20
ETSU 28, Wofford 17
STEVE WILMOTH – ESPN Tri-Cities, TriCitiesSports.com (16-3, 112-37)
Cherokee 35, Volunteer 23 - The Falcons rise up and play one of their better games of the season against the rival Chiefs, but Cherokee pulls away late to win the Hawkins County ‘Don’t Call it Super Because That’s Against NFL Trademark’ Bowl.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 42, David Crockett 6 - Tribe overlooked the Pioneers last season, but that won’t be the case this time around on Senior Night at the Fred.
Science Hill 28, Daniel Boone 7 - It’s been such a tough year for the ‘Blazers that even Stacy Carter calls off the dogs early
Tennessee High 23, West Ridge 20 - could easily be the game of the week. Vikings also easily have the fastest guy on the field in Plumbar who runs through the Wolves’ defense.
Greeneville 49, Northview Academy 0 - suddenly, winning a Class 4A title took on more urgence this season.
Johnson County 28, Holston 7 - Longhorns suffered unimaginable loss last week when Mejia was lost for the season. But quarterback Jace Stout keeps the offense on track against the Cavs.
Unicoi County 35, Chuckey-Doak 7 - Blue ‘Devils keep region title hopes alive.
South Greene 42, West Greene 12 - Rebels clinch at least a share of region title
Hampton 24, Eagleton Academy 19 - Bulldogs stay alive in Region 1-2A title hunt.
Happy Valley 30, Unaka 12 - Warrior defense wins out.
Cloudland 24, North Greene 18 - Highlanders avoid a first opening-round road playoff game since 2010.
College Games
Ole Miss 34, Oklahoma 16
Missouri 30, Alabama 23
Texas 27, Vanderbilt 25
LSU 24, Texas A^M 22
Kentucky 25, Auburn 22
SMU 37, Duke 33
Oregon 41, Illinois 12 - Big Ten Showdown…what in the world…
Indiana 31, Washington 23 - Hoosiers are going to be in playoffs…
Navy 27, Notre Dame 22 - Midshipmen could be in playoffs as well.
Wofford 28, ETSU 23
CASEY GOETZ – News Director, WCYB (13-6, 111-38)
Cherokee 42, Volunteer 20 -- Cherokee is having its best season in 20 years. The Chiefs pick up win #6 and clinch the three seed for the upcoming playoffs.
Dobyns-Bennett 38, David Crockett 14
Science Hill 48, Daniel Boone 13
Tennessee High 30, West Ridge 20
Greeneville 63, Northview Academy 7
Johnson County 28, Holston 8
Unicoi County 37, Chuckey-Doak 12
South Greene 42, West Greene 18
Hampton 29, Eagleton Academy 16
Happy Valley 34, Unaka 19
Cloudland 36, North Greene 22
Ole Miss 34, Oklahoma 24
Alabama 31, Missouri 17
Texas 38, Vanderbilt 20
LSU 26, Texas A&M 23
Kentucky 27, Auburn 17
SMU 31, Duke 21
Oregon 27, Illinois 13
Indiana 34, Washington 27
Notre Dame 28, Navy 17
ETSU 24, Wofford 20
COLE JOHNSON - Sports Report, WCYB (14-5, 110-39)
Cherokee 41, Volunteer 13 — Cherokee has been tough this year and can put up points, especially against a Volunteer team who struggles to compete. Rivalry or not, I can't see this being close at any point.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 38, David Crockett 17
Science Hill 49, Daniel Boone 6
Tennessee High 27, West Ridge 21
Greeneville 40, Northview Academy 19
Johnson County 38, Holston 13
Unicoi County 55, Chuckey-Doak 21
South Greene 34, West Greene 12
Eagleton Academy 22, Hampton 20
Happy Valley 30, Unaka 6
Cloudland 20, North Greene 18
College Games
Ole Miss 35, Oklahoma 20
Alabama 30, Missouri 23
Texas 42, Vanderbilt 20
LSU 27, Texas A&M 23
Auburn 20, Kentucky 17
Duke 24, SMU 23
Oregon 34, Illinois 14
Indiana 23, Washington 19
Notre Dame 28, Navy 17
ETSU 35, Wofford 17
CLAY RAMSEY – WEMB Voice of the Unicoi County Blue Devils (14-5, 110-39)
Cherokee 42, Volunteer 24 -- I think the athleticism of Volunteer can pose an early challenge for the Chiefs, but the depth of Cherokee and the playmakers they have allows them to pull away late in this Hawkins County rivalry.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 45, David Crockett 7 -- History overwhelmingly tells me that I shouldn't expect this to be a close game, so I'll trust it. Indians big.
Science Hill 56, Daniel Boone 0 -- This Washington County bout is going to be one of the most forgettable matchups in the series probably ever.
Tennessee High 21, West Ridge 14 -- The Vikings are on a nifty little four game winning streak. West Ridge, though they handled West Greene with ease last Friday, has plummeted down the 1-6A standings and will not see a State Playoff berth this year. The Vikings are playing with confidence and the Wolves are still trying to find some. I'll take the Vikings in a close one to defend the Castle once again.
Greeneville 38, Northview Academy 10 -- Feels like it's been a good while since we've picked a Greeneville game. This shouldn't really be a concerning game for the Greene Devils, though the Cougars do have some respectable athletes.
Johnson County 34, Holston, VA 15 -- This game was 43-6 last year in Mountain City in favor of Johnson County. Both teams are really good, but I just don't think Holston can hang with Johnson County; even a Longhorn team without Juan Mejia. Keep an eye on this one because a win here could prove big for the Longhorns in a potential tiebreaker scenario.
Unicoi County 49, Chuckey-Doak 21 -- Chuckey-Doak seems to always be a thorn in Unicoi County's side. Last year's game was unbelievable with the Black Knights missing a potential game-winning extra point that sent it to overtime where Unicoi County would ultimately sneak away with the 47-45 win. Chuckey-Doak has one of the worst defenses in the area, so Unicoi County is the pick. Lower Afton is worth some points for the Black Knights, but this shouldn't be close. Carter and I have the call as always on 1420 WEMB Sports Radio at jetbroadcasting.live.
South Greene 32, West Greene 23 -- This one should be a good ol' fashioned slugfest in Greene County. Hard to pick against South Greene since they've been really impressive this year so I'll take the Rebels, but you have to throw the records out in a rivalry game.
Hampton 28, Eagleton Academy 21 --- This one will be played at ETSU and it may feel like a college game with the intensity of how important this game is. A win for the Royals has them in play for the three seed in 1-2A, but a loss threatens their playoff chances greatly. Common opponent: West Greene. Hampton won 38-0. Eagleton Academy won 37-15. I'll take the Bulldogs in what I think will be the game of the week in this area.
Happy Valley 39, Unaka 0 --The preceder to Hampton and Eagleton Academy at ETSU should go off without a hitch as Happy Valley takes care of Unaka.
Cloudland 36, North Greene 18 -- The Huskies may have handled Unaka last week, but the Rangers are nowhere close to the Highlanders. Cloudland rarely loses at home, so I don't see the Huskies having much of a chance to win in Roan Mountain.
College Games
Ole Miss 45, Oklahoma 10 -- I have zero faith in this Oklahoma offense. I think this is a game for the Ole Miss offense to go absolutely crazy, despite the play of the Oklahoma defense this year. Is Oklahoma the worst team in the SEC?
Alabama 31, Missouri 17 -- Alabama has been really bad the last few weeks, but I think they rebound and beat Missouri. I'm just not sure that Brady Cook will be 100% for the Tigers. Alabama better not lose this game, or the Alabama fans will grow even more restless with DeBoer and Company.
Texas 49, Vanderbilt 28 -- Vanderbilt has been a fun and interesting story, and I struggle picking against Diego Pavia, but I just don't think the Vanderbilt defense will be able to stop the Texas offense, regardless of whether it's Ewers or Manning at the helm.
LSU 24, Texas A&M 23 - The winner of this game takes a massive step towards the College Football Playoffs. Going with the more impressive team in recent weeks and it has to be LSU. The game could definitely go either way.
Auburn 34, Kentucky 27 -- Florida running back Jadan Baugh ran for five touchdowns against this Kentucky defense. I like Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter much more. He almost beat Missouri by himself last week. I think Auburn gets this done, especially considering Kentucky is 0-3 in SEC home games this year.
SMU 24, Duke 22 -- I'm not going to completely write-off Brian's Blue Devils, but I just have to go with SMU. Whoever wins this game needs to garner more respect in ACC circles than they are currently getting.
Oregon 35, Illinois 14 -- Illinois has had a really impressive season so far, but the Autzen Zoo will be far too much for the Fighting Illini.
Indiana 23, Washington 16 -- Indiana looks like a legit team. Kurtis Rourke has been lights out for the Hoosiers. Problem is that he's down for this game. Former Tennessee Vol Tayven Jackson will have the reins at QB for Indiana and he'll help the Hoosiers hang on against a scrappy Washington team.
Notre Dame 27, Navy 17 -- You've got to go back a long way to find Army and Navy both undefeated this far into the season. If this game were in Annapolis, I would seriously consider Navy in this game. Since it's a neutral site, I'll take Notre Dame.
Wofford 30, ETSU 27 -- I would love to be wrong here. I certainly think ETSU is capable of winning this game and they'll probably be favored, but ETSU has a lot of growing to do as a program and this feels like a spot where ETSU loses a game they should win.
LAUREN BRADFORD – Sports Reporter, WCYB (15-4, 107-42)
Cherokee 45, Volunteer 21 -- Volunteer has struggled all year and Cherokee is on the up and up... I think the Chiefs roll the Falcons in this one.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 46, David Crockett 13
Science Hill 52, Daniel Boone 8
West Ridge 35, Tennessee High 32
Greeneville 50, Northview Academy 20
Johnson County 46, Holston 23
Unicoi County 36, Chuckey-Doak 24
South Greene 28, West Greene 14
Eagleton Academy 36, Hampton 18
Happy Valley 37, Unaka 17
North Greene 42, Cloudland 14
College Games
Ole Miss 26, Oklahoma 18
Alabama 32, Missouri 7
Texas 45, Vanderbilt 14 - in theory...
LSU 35, Texas A&M 23
Auburn 24, Kentucky 17
SMU 36, Duke 17
Oregon 34, Illinois 14
Indiana 24, Washington 21
Notre Dame 40, Navy 24
ETSU 36, Wofford 14
MIKE COX – Voice of Sullivan East Patriots @ 96.3 The Possum (14-5, 107-42)
Cherokee 35, Volunteer 12 -- Let me start this pick off by saying that both these Hawkins County schools are absolutely AMAZING. Every time we go to either one we get first class treatment in great facilities to broadcast. And the press box foodstuffs are first rate. I appreciate their hospitality greatly. As for the game, the Chiefs are scary good...and we saw the passing attack in the game against East more than the running game. I think the Chiefs do the same to the Falcons that they did to East and win the Hawkins County battle easily.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 28, David Crockett 17 -- Crockett won't be able to handle the Indians...this one could get out of hand on them.
Science Hill 46, Daniel Boone 10 -- Speaking of out of hand...Toppers score early and often against the Trailblazers.
West Ridge 35, Tennessee High 34 -- The System says Vikings, but I can't vote for both TSUNs in the same week (see below), so Go Wolves.
Greeneville 44, Northview Academy 20 -- In a district that is full of 3.5A teams, the 4.5A team wins. The way classification happens in this state baffles me.
Johnson County 48, Holston 14 -- Longhorns set up for their big test at Unicoi County next week with a win this week.
Unicoi County 55, Chuckey-Doak 18 -- And the return scenario is also true.
South Greene 24, West Greene 20 -- Milk can game goes to the Rebels, and may be the best game of the week.
Hampton 26, Eagleton Academy 21.
Happy Valley 34, Unaka 12.
North Greene 23, Cloudland 21.
College Games
Ole Miss 34, Oklahoma 14 -- I don't like this pick, but I have to do it because the Sooners aren't what they normally are this year...is it because they moved to the SEC? Hmmm...
Alabama 28, Missouri 21 -- Alabama is mad about the whole state of Tennessee not giving a turkey about the whole state of Alabama. So they'll take out some frustration on Missouri. Because that just makes sense somehow.
Texas 35, Vanderbilt 24 -- I love what Vandy is doing (until the Vols play them later of course), but even at home they're not pulling this one off.
LSU 37, Texas A&M 35 -- I have a penchant for picking the Tigers this year...I don't know why...maybe it's The System.
Auburn 14, Kentucky 10 -- Every time we depend on Kentucky to do something they drop the ball. Sometimes literally. So, I won't depend on them beating the Tigers and see what transpires in a renewed attempt at reverse psychology to beat the UK curse at its own game.
SMU 8, Duke 5 -- Duke with a safety and a field goal on the ensuing drive in the first quarter, SMU with a TD late in the 4th with the conversion. Probably a Scorigami in both teams' histories if this actually occurs. I blame The System for this one if it goes awry.
Oregon 44, Illinois 27 -- Ducks will not be a l'orange this week in Eugene but thriving as the number one team in the land.
Indiana 20, Washington 14 -- It'll take all day, but the Hoosiers will tame the Huskies Saturday afternoon in Bloomington.
Notre Dame 21, Navy 20 -- I want so badly for Navy to win this game it's not even funny. The Mids are a fantastic team and will give the Irish one whale of a ballgame, but I think the Golden Domers survive to tell the tale.
ETSU 28, Wofford 24 -- It's never easy playing at Wofford (Furman and The Citadel too), but I think the Bucs can roll down to South Carolina and bring a win back to Johnson City.
BRIAN OWENS – Local Sports Enthusiast (14-5, 107-42)
Cherokee 42, Volunteer 7 -- Too much Landon Jeffers and Chiefs offense to make the Battle of Hawkins County a pro wrestling style squash match.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 48, David Crockett 6 -- Another pro wrestling style squash match here too, with the trio of Austin Sykes, Rome Pruitt and Tegan Begley doing the damage as the Tribe warm up for the region championship showdown with the Hill in a week's time.
Science Hill 48, Daniel Boone 0 -- I am sensing a theme here this week with another squash match taking place at Nathan Hale Stadium tonight. Hilltoppers win this rivalry game with ease.
Tennessee High 24, West Ridge 14 -- Vikings won this one with a late field goal a year ago, and while Tray Frazier and the Wolves keep this one closer, the Vikings win this rivalry game yet again.
Greeneville 45, Northview Academy 14 -- Easy region win for the Greene Devils here setting up the week 11 showdown with Elizabethton
Johnson County 34, Holston 6 -- The Cavaliers are one of the feel good stories in southwest Virginia this season and currently sit third in the VHSL 1A Region D power point standings. The Longhorns are undefeated and sitting pretty at 8-0 coming off an impressive win over the mainstay at the top of Region 1-3A Gatlinburg-Pittman. Interesting is the fact that even though the schools are (usually) only separated by 15 miles (much longer now thanks to Route 91's closure, thanks Helene), Johnson County hasn't visited their interstate neighbor in Damascus since 1987 before tonight. The Cavaliers have had a great season and could make some noise in the VHSL 1A playoffs, but the much bigger Longhorns are too much even without the services of Juan Mejia who was injured in last week's win over G-P.
Unicoi County 34, Chuckey-Doak 0 -- First of two easy tune up games for the Devils over the next four days in preparation for a huge showdown with Johnson County next week along with a game with Hancock County on Monday. This one should be an easy win for the team from Erwin.
South Greene 48, West Greene 0 -- Another squash match, this time in this Greene County rivalry game.
Eagleton Academy 28, Hampton 24 -- It's a long way from Blount County to Carter County... as much as I would like to see the Dogs get them one here, the Royals will be too much in the end.
Happy Valley 42, Unaka 0 -- Carter County squash match will go to the Warriors.
North Greene 21, Cloudland 14 -- Tis the Halloween season, and the weather is sure to be frightful up on cold Roan Mountain tonight for this Region 1-1A showdown. A win here by the Huskies sets up a winner take all showdown with Cosby in Baileyton next Friday for the Region. Give me North Greene to do exactly that.
College Games
Ole Miss 38, Oklahoma 7 -- Saw a tweet last week that OU is the new Vanderbilt. Ouch. Lane Train will steamroll the Sooners.
Alabama 28, Missouri 14 -- A third loss would surely knock Bama out of the playoffs, right? I'm not convinced after last year. The Tide could probably go 4-8 and still be rewarded somehow with a playoff berth. Fortunately, they won't lose this one to Mizzou.
Vanderbilt 21, Texas 20 -- Why not? I have to make up a game somewhere in the standings and heck! I just want Vandy to beat Texas, so maybe me picking them will will it to happen.
LSU 21, Texas A&M 20 -- The Bayou Bengals are my favorite SEC team, and never have I ever wanted them to win more badly than I will tomorrow night in College Station. Geaux Tigers! Beat that traitor Elko on his own home field!
Auburn 16, Kentucky 15 -- UK played a preseason hoops game in Rupp earlier this week, so football season is officially now over in Lexington. The closeout sale at the grocery store (Kroger Field) begins this weekend.
SMU 35, Duke 15 -- It's been a few weeks since My boys from Durham last made an appearance in the pick 'em so let's recap what we've seen the last few weeks since then. A field storming in Durham as we beat Carolina for the first time in six years to win back the Victory Bell. A disappointing loss in Atlanta to Georgia Tech, the first of the season, in probably the worst game of the season for what has been an otherwise stellar defense. And last Friday night, a first victory EVER in 23 tries over Florida State. What has been the trend in those three games as well as all season, really? The offense has been lackluster at best. Last week against Florida State, the only offensive touchdown by either team came on a Duke one yard run after an interception that was returned deep in Seminoles territory. 23 points seems to be the ceiling scoring wise for my Devils. It will simply take more than that to beat the Mustangs on Saturday night. As mentioned earlier, our defense has been exemplary thus far. But can it contain the nearly 41 points per game SMU puts up? Typically my golden rule is I don't pick against Duke ever. But this week I can't see any other way around it. I hope I am eating crow Saturday night for supper around 11 pm somewhere in the Bull City after leaving Wallace Wade with a victory...
Oregon 42, Illinois 24 -- The surprising Illini are playing well at the moment, but a trip to the Autzen Zoo puts a hamper on things at least for now.
Indiana 45, Washington 18 -- Happy Hoosiers rejoice in walloping Washington in Bloomington.
Notre Dame 21, Navy 20 -- How cool is it to see Navy and Army both undefeated and ranked? Difference here will be Navy going for two and the win late and coming up short.
ETSU 37, Wofford 16 -- The Bucs need this one to stay in the SoCon race with Western Carolina, Mercer and Chattanooga (who they've already lost to). Fortunately it's against the Terriers who are no match for Tre Lamb's crew.
HEATHER WILLIAMS – Sports Director, WCYB (15-4, 106-43)
Cherokee 35, Volunteer 0 -- I love this game because it’s a true rivalry that means so much to both communities. Volunteer has made some improvements this year, but they aren’t as far along as Cherokee.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 28, David Crockett 13
Science Hill 45, Daniel Boone 7
West Ridge 28. Tennessee High 27
Greeneville 55, Northview 7
Johnson County 21, Holston 7
Unicoi County 42, Chuckey-Doak 6
South Greene 28, West Greene 0
Hampton 22, Eagleton 14
Happy Valley 35, Unaka 10
North Greene 28, Cloudland 21
College Games
Ole Miss 24, Oklahoma 17
Alabama 24, Missouri 21
Texas 35, Vanderbilt 10
LSU 28, Texas A&M 27
Kentucky. 24, Auburn 1
SMU 29, Duke 14
Oregon35, Illinois 10
Indiana 29, Washington 24
Notre Dame 14, Navy 10
ETSU 35, Wofford 3
KELLY GOETZ – Morning News Anchor, WJHL (15-4, 104-45)
Cherokee 36, Volunteer 3
Dobyns-Bennett 40, David Crockett 21
Science Hill 48, Daniel Boone 6
West Ridge 24, Tennessee High 21
Greeneville 35, Northview Academy 0
Johnson County 24, Holston 20
Unicoi County 21, Chuckey-Doak 14
South Greene 24, West Greene 18
Hampton 14, Eagleton Academy 7
Happy Valley 28, Unaka 20
North Greene 20, Cloudland 14
Ole Miss over Oklahoma
Alabama over Missouri
Texas over Vanderbilt
LSU over Texas A&M
Kentucky over Auburn
SMU over Duke
Oregon over Illinois
Indiana over Washington
Notre Dame over Navy
ETSU over Wofford
BRYAN MOORE– 104.9 FM Nash Icon Voice of the Wolves, TriCitiesSports.com (14-5, 103-46)
Cherokee 45, Volunteer 21 -- The Hawkins County Super Bowl goes to the Chiefs who are rolling into the playoffs.
High School Games
Dobyns-Bennett 35, David Crockett 7 -- The Pioneers have fallen on hard times in recent weeks and the trouble will continue Friday night against D-B.
Science Hill 49, Daniel Boone 0 -- The Toppers will score as many as they want as they add to the Trail Blazers’ woes.
West Ridge 28, Tennessee High 21 -- The Wolves will snap the Vikings’ four-game winning streak.
Greeneville 41, Northview Academy 14 -- The Greene Devils return from a bye week rested and ready to make a run to the state title.
Johnson County 34, Holston 7 -- The magical season continues for the Longhorns.
Unicoi County 35, Chuckey-Doak 7 -- How can you not root for the Blue Devils?
South Greene 40, West Greene 12 -- The Rebels are going to run roughshod over the Buffaloes.
Hampton 30, Eagleton Academy 20: Against I ask, “How can you not root for the Bulldogs?"
Happy Valley 28, Unaka 7 -- The Warriors will take care of the Rangers.
Cloudland 29, North Greene 26 -- This might be the best game of the night. The Highlanders will pull out a thrilling victory.
College Games
Ole Miss 45, Oklahoma 14 -- It’s truly amazing how bad Oklahoma is.
Alabama 35, Missouri 21 -- The Tigers are coming to Tuscaloosa at the wrong time. Bama will prevail over Mizzou.
Texas 45, Vanderbilt 27 -- The Longhorns were exposed by Georgia. But Texas is still good enough to handle the Commodores.
Texas A&M 28, LSU 24 -- The Aggies won’t need a 12th man. They’ll beat the Bayou Bengals straight up.
Kentucky 17, Auburn 14 -- The Tigers are due for a breakout win. But it won’t come against the Wildcats.
SMU 34, Duke 17 -- The Mustangs like the ACC and they will add another WIN on Saturday.
Oregon 37, Illinois 21 -- The Illini are much improved but they are not good enough to knock off the Ducks.
Indiana 28, Washington 21 -- The Hoosiers are rolling and they will find a way to remain undefeated with a victory over the Huskies.
Navy 30, Notre Dame 28 -- It will be a great day for the Midshipmen.
ETSU 38, Wofford 21 -- The Bucs will have a much better trip across the mountain and tame the Terriers.