Only a few homer picks amongst the panel kept most of the top prep games of the week from having unanimous favorites according to the esteemed TriCitiesSports.com Pickin’ Panel.
Every prognosticator in the bunch went for Science Hill over Anderson County, West Ridge over Daniel Boone, Tennessee High over Sullivan East, Elizabethton over Morristown West and Unicoi County over Happy Valley.
Greeneville was installed as a heavy 12-2 favorite over Dobyns-Bennett while David Crockett is a 10-4 pick over Cherokee.
Casey Goetz of WCYB bolted to the top of the heap with an 11-1 start last week. The sports-guy-turned-news-guy enjoys a one-game lead over former sports sidekicks Heather Williams of WCYB and WCYB part-timer, but TriCitiesSports.com and ESPN Tri-Cities fulltimer Steve Wilmoth.
Another WCYB’er, Lauren Bradford, is two games back as is Todd Freeman, another ESPN Tri-Cities talking head.
Here are this week’s selections:
CASEY GOETZ – News Director, WCYB (11-1)
Greeneville 35, Dobyns-Bennett 14 … If nothing else, let’s hope we actually get a full four quarter game in (unlike last year). Carson Quillen and company will be too much for the Indians in this one.
Science Hill 31, Anderson County 24 … Can Science Hill repeat the performance from last week’s win over Elizabethton against a very good Anderson County team? I say yes, but it’s a close one.
West Ridge 28, Daniel Boone 13 … Daniel Boone got skunked 56-0 last week. I expect a good response by the Trailblazers, but not good enough to win. Wolves get to 2-0.
David Crockett 35, Cherokee 20 … Both teams picked up close wins in week 1. Give me the Pioneers getting to 2-0.
Tennessee High 41, Sullivan East 6 … Both teams got crushed in week 1. The Vikings will be the team handing out some punishment this week with a big win over their neighbors in Bluff City.
Elizabethton 27, Morristown West 17 .. The Cyclones won’t lose two in a row at home
Unicoi County 33, Happy Valley 13 … The Blue Devils offense will be too much for the Warriors.
Hampton 29, Johnson County 22 … The Bulldogs bounce back after a loss at Pigeon Forge to beat the Longhorns, who dominated Sullivan East.
Chuckey-Doak 28, Grainger 20 … The Black Knights scored 71 points last week. They won’t get half of that this week, but they will still score enough to win.
West Greene 27, Cloudland 12 … The Buffaloes take care of business against another Class 1 school.
Georgia 38, Clemson 17 … The Dawgs will roll in Atlanta over the Tigers
Florida 30, Miami 26 … I am married to a Gator grad. Happy wife, happy life.
Notre Dame 27, Texas A&M 23 … A big road win for the Irish
LSU 31, USC 21 … SEC over Big 10
App State 41, ETSU 20 … Bucs battle but too much Mountaineers in Boone
HEATHER WILLIAMS – Sports Director, WCYB (10-2)
Greeneville 28, Dobyns-Bennett 21 The Tribe looked good in week one and they certainly were holding their own last season when this game was called because of the weather. But I think Greeneville may be even better this season then it was last, which is something to say about a team that lost just one game all season.
High School Games
Science Hill 35, Anderson County 21
West Ridge 28, Daniel Boone 7
David Crockett 28, Cherokee 14
Tennessee High 35, Sullivan East 14
Elizabethton 28, Morristown West 24
Unicoi County 35, Happy Valley 10
Johnson County 22, Hampton 14
Chuckey-Doak 35, Grainger 28
Cloudland at West Greene (this game was Thursday- Would have picked Cloudland though)
College Games
Georgia 35, Clemson 10
Miami 24, Florida 14
Texas A&M 35, Notre Dame 27
LSU 24, USC 7
App State 42, ETSU 3
STEVE WILMOTH – ESPN Tri-Cities, TriCitiesSports.com (10-2)
Dobyns-Bennett 29, Greeneville 28 - Tribe have had the ‘Devils within their sights the last two years but a failed two-point attempt and lightning in Bristol foiled the upset bids. This time, the two-pointer prevails.
High School Games
Science Hill 35, Anderson County 27 – ‘Toppers can win with power and speed.
West Ridge 21, Daniel Boone 16 - No over reaction here.
David Crockett 21, Cherokee 20 - Chiefs looking for biggest win in five years.
Tennessee High 45, Sullivan East 14 – Vikings get the run game going
Elizabethton 24, Morristown West 20 - Cyclones bounce back
Unicoi County 28, Happy Valley 14 - Warriors can’t generate enough offense to match the ‘Devils
Johnson County 22, Hampton 20 - Run the dang ball.
Chuckey-Doak 35, Grainger 18 - Black Knights held to half last week’s total, but still more than enough.
Cloudland 20, West Greene 18 - another week one over-reaction caution.
College Games
Georgia 35, Clemson 30 - Many college coaches pull for Tigers in this one…as in pulling for the anti-portal
Florida 23, Miami 20 - Gators are better than most think
Texas A&M 35, Notre Dame 31 - Aggies need to get the one cause Irish schedule is mostly cake.
LSU 24, USC 17
App State 42, ETSU 6
LAUREN BRADFORD – Sports Reporter, WCYB (9-3)
Greeneville 42, Dobyns-Bennett 24 -- After watching the Greene Devils last week, I don't know who will be able to stop the double threat of Carson Quillen and Caden Baugh, much less when you add in their threats out wide. I think they give up a few more points this week, but they'll still take care of business easily.
High School Games
Science Hill 35, Anderson County 28 -- This is a tough test, but I'm sticking with the Hilltoppers after their performance last week.
West Ridge 21, Daniel Boone 14 -- These two teams had very different opening performances and I think that Daniel Boone getting blanked has scared me off a bit so I'm giving this to the Wolves.
David Crockett 35, Cherokee 24 -- David Crockett surprised some people with the win over South Greene last week and even though Cherokee was also able to pick up a week one win, I think they face a setback here with the Pioneers taking the win on the road.
Tennessee High 38, Sullivan East 13 -- Both teams had disastrous week ones, but I think Tennessee High rebounds while the Patriots continue to struggle.
Elizabethton 24, Morristown West 17 -- Betsy bounces back in week two with a big win.
Unicoi County 36, Happy Valley 20 -- Blue Devils move to 2-0 with back-to-back home wins.
Johnson County 36, Hampton 21 -- Triple-option worked week one and they'll continue to find success in week two.
Chuckey-Doak 45, Grainger 36 -- Well, you know Chuckey-Doak can score after last week, their offense propels them once again in week 2.
West Greene 34, Cloudland 21 -- After a slow start, the Buffaloes pulled it together, I think they find their groove earlier this time around.
College Games
Clemson 27, Georgia 17 -- My brain says Georgia, but my loyalty to my Tigers won't let me pick against them so get ready for Clemson to shock the world and make a week one statement.
Miami 28, Florida 24 -- Look I have to stick with the ACC, I think this will be a coin flip game, but I think the Hurricanes can figure things out with Cam Ward as their new QB 1.
Notre Dame 35, Texas A&M 32 -- This is tough because A&M has gone through so much change, but I'm giving it to Elko's former QB in Riley Leonard.
LSU 42, USC 38 -- USC may have made the jump from Pac-12 to Big Ten, but has their defense made that jump? I'm giving this one to LSU .
App State 45, ETSU 17 -- I hate this as a game one for what I expect to be a much-improved ETSU because App State could give power 5 schools trouble this year, much less the Bucs.
TODD FREEMAN – Freeman Productions, ESPN Tri-Cities (9-3)
Dobyns-Bennett 28, Greeneville 27 -- I might be a homer on this pick, but I like what I saw out of the Indians last Friday night. DB will have to keep the Greene Devils in front of them on defense, and the kicking game will have to be better.
High School Games
Science Hill 24, Anderson County 21 -- Another Road Test for the Hill.
West Ridge 21, Daniel Boone 14 -- Can the Trailblazer bonce back from taking one on the Chin.
Cherokee 32, David Crockett 7 -- The Chiefs go on the road and win easy.
Tennessee High 28, Sullivan East 14 -- Both Teams are coming of big defeats East will have another one after Friday night.
Elizabethton 35, Morristown West 17 -- Betsy with the bounce back.
Unicoi County 14, Happy Valley 7 -- I like the home team.
Johnson County 28, Hampton 10 -- The Longhorns Roll.
Chuckey-Doak 21, Grainger 20 -- This is strictly a guess.
West Greene 10, Cloudland 7 -- This one will be close.
College Games
Georgia 35, Clemson 2
Miami 28, Florida 10
Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 14
LSU 24, USC 14
App State 38, ETSU 17
TRAVIS LEMING – Owner, Rocky Top Storage (8-4)
Greeneville 38, Dobyns-Bennett 17 -- Greenville, it’s the same thing every year never rebuild just reload and after a 54-7 thumping of TN High last week they won’t have it that easy in Greeneville Friday night but the Greene Devils improve to 2-0
High School Games
Science Hill 31, Anderson County 28 -- Hilltoppers are primed for deep run in the playoffs, so they look avenge the 26-23 loss from 2023
West Ridge 27, Daniel Boone 6 -- The Wolves got the W in 2023 and though I don’t believe Boone is as bad as what the showed last week in NC I do think West Ridge will improve to 2-0 for the 2nd straight year.
David Crockett 35, Cherokee 20 -- Cherokee is much improved and helped me pick up a win last week but this week I just can not go against this youthful Pioneers bunch.
Tennessee High 21, Sullivan East 0 -- Last week was a very sad start for both of these teams with no offense for either team but Vikings will figure out a way to score against this Patriots team that last everything from last year’s team.
Elizabethton 28, Morristown West 7 -- Betsy got railroaded last week so this week they will turn the tables and look to make MO West 0-2 and get back on the winning track.
Unicoi County 24, Happy Valley 21 -- Both of these teams gave me 2 losses last week so this week one will get me that W I am looking for.
Johnson County 17, Hampton 13 -- Longhorns scored more points last week than I could keep up during that game and Hampton gave me an L. I am on the Longhorn train all way to Mountain City.
Chuckey-Doak 35, Grainger 14 -- Chuckey-Doak just will have to much offense for Grainger this week.
West Greene 23, Cloudland 8 -- Buffalos will run all over and Cloudland team who is trying to find its way
College Games
Georgia 35, Clemson 17 -- Until someone can beat GA early in the season I am going with GA
Miami 42, Florida 17 -- Florida has just been bad last couple years so going with the Canes
Notre Dame 31, Texas A&M 30 -- Great game at Kyle Field but the Irish are looking to get into the playoffs and this early season road win will be huge.
LSU 38, USC 35 -- Great game in Sin City and Tigers prevail in a thriller on Sunday night
App State 48, ETSU 9 -- Man these teams had great games in the past and ETSU will be a trending team this year, but this first game will be rough.
WADE LITTLETON – TriCitiesSports.com (8-4)
Greeneville 38, Dobyns-Bennett 28 -- Greene Devils are LOADED this year. D-B played well in its win over Farragut, but the Greene Devils are a different animal. Something tells me that Greeneville once again has something special brewing. Eddie Spradlin's team doesn't lose at home.
Science Hill 29, Anderson County 28 -- By beating Elizabethton last week, Science Hill has proven that it's got staying power this year. This is one of the difficult games to pick, but I'm going with the Toppers at The Tipton.
West Ridge 32, Daniel Boone 28 -- Blazers didn't score against Clyde Erwin, North Carolina last week and they'll be lucky to take the Wolves to the limit this week. West Ridge is ready to make some noise.
Cherokee 38, David Crockett 28 -- Cherokee is tired of being the doormat of Northeastern Tennessee. With the one-two punch of Landon Jeffers and Hayden Hook, these Chiefs may be ready for primetime. Meanwhile, the Pioneers were lucky to win over South Greene last week, but will face a long trip to RogVegas this week.
Tennessee High 28, Sullivan East 27 -- If Johnson County can score 40-plus points against the Patriots, surely Tennessee High can score at least 28. Vikings in a nail-biter.
Elizabethton 35, Morristown West 14 -- A battle of 0-1 teams. West did the unthinkable and lost to East High last week for the first time in four years. Meanwhile, there is no rest for the Cyclone weary as they face another tough team. However, this time, the bank will be open for the Cyclones to deposit a win against the Trojans.
Unicoi County 31, Happy Valley 28 -- The Devils stuck their forks into Northview Academy last week. This time, in what should be one of the top games of the week, the Devils will take a bite out of the Warriors.
Hampton 29, Johnson County 28 -- Bulldogs do not lose at J.C. Campbell Stadium, especially to a Longhorn team that dismantled Sullivan East.
Chuckey-Doak 28, Grainger 21 -- I've got mixed emotions about this game. Chuckey-Doak put up a lot of points on Unaka, but the Grizzlies also won their first game of the year last week. This could be a regular Slant vs. Dante barnburner this week...
West Greene 35, Cloudland 28 -- When I saw this game last year in Roan Mountain, the Buffaloes had the momentum and pulled the upset. This year it will be no upset at the Buffaloes roam the Range with another win for Evan Monroe.
College Games
Georgia 35, Clemson 24 -- As much as it pains me, Georgia is one of the top teams in the country and are markedly better than the Tigers. I want to see a Tennessee-Georgia matchup for all of the marbles in November, but it's too early to think about that.
Miami 38, Florida 24 -- There will be a Hurricane Warning for Florida Field this week because Miami is not only a better team, Miami has the better coach. Billy Napier is living on borrowed time in Gainesville.
Texas A&M 31, Notre Dame 28 -- Aggieland will be ground zero for college football fans this week as Mike Elko and the Aggies put away Notre Dame in the fourth quarter for a big win.
LSU 31, USC 28 -- Brian Kelly is building a contender in Baton Rouge. Phony Cajun accent didn't fly, but he realized that he needed to do what he does best and that's to coach. This one will also be a barn burner, but the Trojans will have their hands full against their brothers from the $EC.
Appalachian State 52, ETSU 28 -- This prediction is no reflection on the optimism I have for Tre Lamb and the ETSU Bucs. When one goes to Boone, they must be prepared to play four quarters of football. If App State wasn't loaded, I might have picked the Bucs, however, ASU is much too talented. Tre Lamb will win games, but just not this week.
BRYAN MOORE– 104.9 FM Nash Icon Voice of the Wolves, TriCitiesSports.com (8-4)
Greeneville 35, Dobyns-Bennett 14 -- The Greene Devils are loaded and will unload on the Indians.
High School Games
Science Hill 35, Anderson County 10 -- The Toppers are the real deal and they will make it two in a row over the Mavericks.
West Ridge 28, Daniel Boone 14 -- The Trailblazers had a terrible season opener in North Carolina against Clyde A. Erwin. Boone will rebound against West Ridge but the Wolves will get the win.
David Crockett 28, Cherokee 21 -- This might be the best game on the schedule. The Pioneers will pull out a huge road win against the ever-improving Chiefs.
Tennessee High 34, Sullivan East 7 -- Both teams suffered through rough season openers last week. The Vikings will rebound and knock off the Patriots.
Elizabethton 28, Morristown West 14 -- West is traveling to Elizabethton at the wrong time, after the Cyclones’ season-opening loss to Science Hill last week. Betsy is going to Be-Devil the Trojans.
Unicoi County 30, Happy Valley 21 -- The Blue Devils are at home and their high-powered offense will have success against the Warriors’ stingy defense.
Johnson County 35, Hampton 27 -- The Longhorns lit up Sullivan East last Friday and Johnson County will get out of Hampton with a hard-fought win.
Chuckey-Doak 49, Grainger 7 -- The Black Knights’ prolific offense will roll over the Grizzlies.
West Greene 30, Cloudland 20 -- The Buffaloes have the Highlanders’ number in recent years and will notch their third consecutive victory over Cloudland.
College Games
Georgia 30, Clemson 10 -- The Tigers are not in the Bulldogs’ league.
Florida 24, Miami 21 -- The Gators upset the Hurricanes in the Swamp.
Notre Dame 28, Texas A&M 24 -- The Irish will have its own 12th Man against the Aggies.
LSU 35, USC 21 -- The Tigers will be too much for the Trojans.
App State 38, ETSU 21 -- love Tre Lamb. I think the Bucs will make it interesting for a while but the Mountaineers eventually pull away.
BRIAN OWENS – Local Sports Enthusiast (8-4)
Greeneville 48, Dobyns-Bennett 7 -- I absolutely hate making this pick against my beloved Indians but seeing us struggle to beat a down Farragut team and seeing Greeneville put up 30+ on Tennessee High in the opening quarter last Friday night... I have a feeling things may get ugly in the battle of Route 93. Thankfully if this pick comes to fruition, I won't be there to see it as my Duke Blue Devils open the season on Friday against that mythical bird that rises from its own ashes or some hullabaloo. This game will be closer if Tegan Begley and Tray Windham can make the field Friday night, but I am unsure of their injury status at the moment...
High School Games
Science Hill 28, Anderson County 20 -- I think the Toppers are the real deal this year. Baylor Necessary is the difference maker here as he has the X factor and can make a house call on any given play.
West Ridge 42, Daniel Boone 6 -- Trailblazers got annihilated last week across Sam's Gap by their Tarheel State foe. Trey Frazier will carve them up both on the ground and through the air as well in an easy Wolves wallop.
David Crockett 28, Cherokee 14 -- The Boro advised me to pick against Crockett again this week. I ain't making that mistake again... at least not this week.
Tennessee High 35, Sullivan East 14 -- Vikings christen Stone Castle 2.0 with a Weaver Pike rivalry dub.
Elizabethton 42, Morristown West 14 -- West lost the crosstown rivalry game last week to East who has been down in recent years makes me think the Cyclones rebound with a big win this week.
Unicoi County 35, Happy Valley 6 -- Clay Ramsey's Blue Devils shocked me last week with the win over the crew from Kodak. Warriors are 1-0 as well, winning a Carter County showdown over the Highlanders from Roan Mountain. The Devils win in week one is more impressive.
Johnson County 28, Hampton 24 -- I honestly have no idea who to pick here. The Longhorns shocked me last week stampeding all over the hapless Patriots from Bluff City. 'Dogs lost to Pigeon Forge. My gut instinct tells me that Juan Mejia will continue to pile on the yards on the ground to get the Longhorns to 2-0.
Chuckey-Doak 35, Grainger 6
West Greene 21, Cloudland 6
College Games
Georgia 35, Clemson 14 -- Second straight year Tigers lose game 1. I will forever fondly remember last year's game one loss by the Tigers though more than this year's.
Miami 35, Florida 17 -- Seeing a lot of chatter that the Hurricanes may be the ACC favorite this year. As a fan of an ACC school... seems like that's the chatter every year. For this week at least I will give benefit of the doubt and blow like a Hurricane wind this week behind Miami.
Notre Dame 63, Texas A&M 0 -- I have a lot to say about this one. Battle of the former Dukies. But there's only one who I will firmly stand behind. I never understood why all of Tennessee Vol nation had so much disdain for Lane Kiffin. That is until the same thing happened to us in Duke Blue Devil nation last year with the cowardly departure of Mike Elko, now the coach at Texas A&M. Riley Leonard, who was Duke's quarterback, also departed Durham for South Bend. Riley handled things in a much better manner and like a man, posting a long letter via social media through his various channels explaining his decision. Even though he announced his intended departure before our bowl game last year, he still was at the Birmingham Bowl to lend support to his future former teammates. Riley Leonard is all class. And this pick is from the heart and not from my head. I hope the Irish annihilate the Aggies in College Station in front of the "12th man".
LSU 35, USC 21 -- Geaux Tigers!
Appalachian State 48, ETSU 0 -- Hoping the Bucs can get back on the FCS radar with a new coach in Johnson City, but it won't be this week against the Mountaineers, who are the Sun Belt's favorites and a potential CFP participant out of the group of 5.
CLAY RAMSEY – WEMB Voice of the Unicoi County Blue Devils (7-5)
Greeneville 35, Dobyns-Bennett 21 -- While the teams have met just 5 times (yes, I know last year would've been 6, but we'll move on from the craziness of last year) since 2001, it's been exactly that long since the Tribe have beaten Greeneville. To age me, I was just a few months old when that happened. Greeneville looked on form with a dominant win over Tennessee High last week while Dobyns-Bennett hung on for a tough win over Farragut. The Tribe still are battling through some injuries, so give me Greeneville at home.
Science Hill 35, Anderson County 28 -- I'll be honest. I don't know a ton about Anderson County, but the one thing I do know is that they always play tough in big games. Having taken down 5A opponent Powell last week, I doubt the Mavericks are afraid of a 6A foe, either. Nonetheless, Science Hill proved a lot to me by dismantling Elizabethton last week. I'll give Anderson County respect for how tough they are, but Science Hill wins this game.
West Ridge 24, Daniel Boone 7 -- Steve said something about Boone last week that stuck with me and proved to be true. Daniel Boone is void of experienced playmakers. That was on full display as Clyde Erwin (NC) cruised to a 56-0 win over the Trailblazers. Assuming Trey Frazier plays for the Wolves, this should be a pretty easy home win for West Ridge.
David Crockett 28, Cherokee 20 -- I really wanted to pick Cherokee here. I almost did. The Chiefs collected a really big win over co*cke County last Friday night and I think they're gonna be better than we all might have thought this year. Here's the thing, though. Crockett Head Coach Hayden Chandley has yet to lose to Cherokee. You have to go all the way back to 2016 to find Cherokee's last win in the series, and quite frankly, the series hasn't really been competitive since. This game, I believe, will be closer than people think, but I like the Pioneers in this one.
Tennessee High 38, Sullivan East 16 -- Both of these teams suffered huge losses in Week 1. Tennessee High to Greeneville and Sullivan East to Johnson County. This Battle of Bristol returned last year for the first time in 13 years, but East still couldn't break through for a win over the Vikings. The wait for a win in the series will continue as East has just lost too much off of last year's team to hang with Tennessee High.
Elizabethton 34, Morristown West 0 -- Elizabethton will bounce back. Great programs like them always do. They have to. I can't imagine anyone at Elizabethton was happy about last week's showing and Elizabethton sticks it to Morristown West this year.
Unicoi County 42, Happy Valley 38 -- This game will be closer than some might think. A true rivalry matchup, this series has been super competitive throughout the years, though Unicoi County has a stranglehold on the series recently, winning the last five games in the series. Before that though, Happy Valley won five straight. Every year, we get multiple, down-to-the-wire, instant classics at Gentry Stadium and this one will be a perhaps unexpected classic that Unicoi County is able to hang on and win.
Johnson County 45, Hampton 24 -- I get that history isn't on my side here and Hampton has had no problem beating up on Johnson County teams recently, but let's be honest. This Johnson County team isn't the same. This Johnson County team appears to be really good. It's just one week, I know, but Mejia and Co. had that offense humming against East and if they can do that against a 4A program, they are absolutely capable of doing it against a 2A program, even if said 2A program is perennially really good.
Grainger 38, Chuckey-Doak 31 -- I'm really concerned about Chuckey-Doak's defense. Giving up 46 points to a Unaka team that isn't expected to do a whole lot this year doesn't exactly instill a ton of confidence for me in the Black Knights. Beyond that, they graduated major pieces of their offense from last year. Grainger isn't the cakewalk that Unaka is, and Grainger had no issue handling fellow Region 1-3A opponent Claiborne last week. Give me the Grizzlies here.
West Greene 24, Cloudland 10 -- West Greene has been down in recent times, but came out of the gate strong with a win against county rival North Greene last Friday night. Meanwhile, Cloudland failed to score on Happy Valley. West Greene is also the home team here. It seems obvious to go with the Buffaloes here.
Georgia 35, Clemson 17 -- I think Clemson is on a downward spiral. Folks have been very critical of Dabo Swinney's refusal to use the portal, and for good reason. I just have no reason to believe that Clemson doesn't continue to spiral against a far superior Georgia team that should be huge favorites in this game.
Miami 28, Florida 24 -- This game will be competitive for absolutely no reason. Miami will find some way to struggle against a really bad Florida team, but really bad is really bad, and Florida is in for a rough go this season.
Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 9 -- If this game were being played one or two years from now, I'd have Texas A&M winning this game. I think Mike Elko is a better fit for Texas A&M than Jimbo Fisher was. Elko will be just fine. But his Aggies are just in year 1 of a new system and Notre Dame has playoff aspirations this year. Both teams have heavily relied on defense in recent years and Notre Dame's defense makes the plays necessary to win this game in College Station.
LSU 48, USC 45 -- A few things to be said here. First, why couldn't we get this game last year? Daniels vs Williams would've been must-watch TV, especially for those of you who love offense. I expect more of the same. Both teams have a ton of growing to do on the defensive side of the ball. So, why LSU? Quite frankly it comes down to quarterback play, an edge that I think goes to Nussmeier at LSU. Also, you'll never get me to trust a Lincoln Riley defense. It's just not happening. I'm a little surprised that many have USC in this game and even more surprised that people are as low on LSU as they are.
Appalachian State 38, ETSU 21 -- Not yet. Not in game one of the Tre Lamb era. Look, the hype is warranted. Coach Lamb is a high energy coach that is a great fit at ETSU and the Buccaneers will be back to prominence in the SoCon. But ETSU is not beating an FBS school in Game 1. You best believe it'll be a solid effort from the Blue and Gold though. Last season at Gardner-Webb, Coach Lamb's Runnin' Bulldogs lost 45-24 to Appalachian State. Expect the Bucs to be competitive for a while in this game, but the Mountaineers get the win in Boone.
PARKER WILMOTH – Defending and 10-Time Champion (7-5)
Greeneville 35, DB 7 - So much speed and athleticism on the Greene Devil team as per usual. They're fast, athletic, and have length. They're nasty in the trenches as well. They're as physical as anyone the tribe will see all year. I like the Greene Devils at Burley.
Science Hill 28, Anderson County 24 - Science Hill had a very impressive showing last week. Their depth at running back will make a difference. They will again do what is Necessary in this one before region play.
West Ridge 42, Daniel Boone 14 - West Ridge is off and running behind quarterback Trey Frazier. Passing game is as active as it's ever been with Frazier as well. I look for him and Tatum to have another big connection or two friday night.
Cherokee 28, David Crockett 21 - Cherokee found a rhythm to make a comeback and defeat co*cke County, I like Mobuck and the chiefs in this one.
Tennessee High 42, Sullivan East 7 - Tennessee high will attack the ground game and pound the football.
Elizabethton 28, Morristown West 21 - Betsy doesn't lose 2 games in a row to start off the season.
Unicoi County 38, Happy valley 12 - Blue Devils haven't skipped a beat
Hampton 28, Johnson County 26 - Bulldogs tame the longhorns.
Chuckey Doak 48, Grainger 26 - The black knights scored 71 points last week, I don't believe the grizzlies can keep up with that pace.
Cloudland 24, West Greene 12 - Highlanders take care of business
Georgia 41, Clemson 24 - Dabo refuses to use the portal and adapt to an ever changing college football landscape. He does recruit decently and has developed a few players. But Georgia is a different animal. Georgia probably would have at least played for the national championship, and maybe 3 peated had they won the SEC championship game. Because of this they are on a revenge tour, and the tigers are first up.
Miami 24, Florida 10 - Sunbelt Billy is on the hottest seat in college football right now and he hasn't coached a single game in 2024 yet. They have one of the most brutal schedules of any team ever. This is probably his last year in Gainesville unless a miracle is performed. It will be close for a couple quarters but Miami's athletes will make a few more plays in the end.
Texas A&M 38, Notre Dame 35 - Aggies face a big first test in their opener, and Elko's first game of the season.
LSU 41, USC 35 - Tigers make an extra play in the end. Both teams welcoming in new QB's, and both in the running to make the playoffs. A win here in this big game early in the season propels you forward.
App State 35, ETSU 3 - Mountaineers make quick work of a rebuilding Bucs squad.
MIKE COX – Voice of Sullivan East Patriots @ 96.3 The Possum (6-6)
Greeneville 39, Dobyns-Bennett 28 -- Both teams get theirs, but the Greene Devils at home show East Tennessee yet again why they shouldn't be a 4A school. As we say on the Possum, Greeneville's gonna Greeneville.
High School Games
Science Hill 45, Anderson County 41.
West Ridge 29, Daniel Boone 16.
David Crockett 24, Cherokee 21
Tennessee High 35, Sullivan East 21 -- I love my Patriots, you guys have no idea how much. These Patriots are just too young. Give us a year or two, Patriot Nation. But, since I'm out sick this week, if the first Patriot win against the Vikings in 53 tries happens, it'll be this Friday. Should that occur, Jacob and a special guest will have it on 96.3 the Possum Friday night! Here's hoping I'm well for next week!
Elizabethton 27, Morristown West 20 -- Betsy, also, will Betsy. Could be a close one at the end, though. It's on 107.9 The Bridge Friday night!
Unicoi County 14, Happy Valley 12 -- May be the best game of the week.
Johnson County 33, Hampton 19
Chuckey-Doak 24, Grainger 19.
Cloudland 35, West Greene 8.
College Games
Georgia 38, Clemson 24.
Miami 33, Florida 32 -- This one falls in the "can both teams lose" category for me.
Texas A&M 34, Notre Dame 32 -- My hatred for the Irish overrides my common sense sometimes...or maybe I'm addled by the medication LOL
LSU 28, USC 27 -- Could be the best college game of the weekend.
App State 42, ETSU 14 -- App is gonna have a sold out crowd ready to roll for football season and they should easily knock off ETSU. Can hear it on 93.7 GOAT FM starting at 1:30 Saturday!
KELLY GOETZ – Morning News Anchor, WJHL (6-6)
Greeneville 40, Dobyns-Bennett 20 -- I'm rolling with the Greene Devils on this one!
High School Games
Science Hill 27, Anderson County 24
West Ridge 30, Daniel Boone 7
David Crockett 28, Cherokee 24
Tennessee High 20, Sullivan East 14
Elizabethton 36, Morristown West 13
Unicoi County 24, Happy Valley 14
Johnson County 28, Hampton 3
Chuckey-Doak 42, Grainger 7
West Greene 24, Cloudland 12
College Games
Georgia 35, Clemson 14
Florida 28, Miami 27
Texas A&M 14, Notre Dame 7
LSU 35, USC 7
App State 24, ETSU 6
COLE JOHNSON - Sports Report, WCYB (6-6)
Greeneville 28, Dobyns Bennett 20 – The Greene Devils put a hurting on 5A Tennessee High and they'll probably do some damage on 6A Dobyns-Bennett. Love the way DB handled the storm and came away with a win in week one after losing the 14-point lead, but I don't think they have enough to take down Greeneville on the road.– The Greene Devils put a hurting on 5A Tennessee High and they'll probably do some damage on 6A Dobyns-Bennett. Love the way DB handled the storm and came away with a win in week one after losing the 14-point lead, but I don't think they have enough to take down Greeneville on the road.
Science Hill 24, Anderson County 14 – It's the same foe coming out of 4A that Greeneville and Elizabethton always have to get through for the state title - and with the performance Science Hill had over Elizabethton in week one, I can see a similar result. Tougher, but similar. I'll ride the Toppers until I can't anymore.
West Ridge 30, Daniel Boone 12 – I was not sure how West Ridge would look until I saw them in person week one. They will likely struggle later on in 6A, but after the thumping Boone took last week, the Wolves should come out 2-0.
Cherokee 34, David Crockett 18 – This may surprisingly be an interesting game in the early slate of the season, considering two of worst teams in 2023 scraped out wins in week one. Still, Crockett is very young and just got by South Greene. I'll hand the edge to Cherokee.
Tennessee High 35, Sullivan East 7 – Always a fun one in the Weaver Pike battle, but I think we found out how inexperienced the Patriots are. Tennessee High should handle this in the renovated Stone Castle.
Elizabethton 32, Morristown West 16 – Mo West lost to a Mo East team in week one that did not win a game last year. Think the edge clearly goes to a fired up Cyclone team coming off a disappointing one last week.
Unicoi County 38, Happy Valley 14 – I enjoy this Happy Valley team but I'm riding the Blue Devils until they don't show up. I think they're fast and explosive - could put up a lot of points again.
Johnson County 27, Hampton 16 – The Longhorns ran up and down the field against a beat down Sullivan East team and don't expect to see that type of production again - but still hold the favor over a Hampton team they barely lost to last year that lost most of their production on both sides of the ball.
Chuckey-Doak 38, Grainger 36 – While they poured the points on at Unaka, I have to give Chuckey-Doak credit. We probably won't see anywhere near 70 points again, but have to clean up defensively. Could be another shootout and I'll give favor to the Black Knights in a tight one.
Cloudland at West Greene – Well unfortunately, this game was played on Thursday and I saw Cloudland win 30-0 so I'm going to make my only perfect guess of the year and say Cloudland wins 30-0!
Georgia 27, Clemson 14 – Dabo doesn't like the portal. Bulldogs do. Two score difference out of the gate.
Miami 31, Florida 20 – Hurricanes might be the hurricane coming in the ACC this year. Not touching SEC level, but Florida is going to have to prove something before I pick them, especially with their gauntlet of a schedule.
Texas A&M 23, Notre Dame 20 – Aggies ruin Notre Dame's CFP hopes early with a game-winning field goal. Fighting Irish gets a favorable schedule the rest of the way and will have to make their case to the committee with this one loss.
LSU 30, USC 23 – Tigers get the best of the Trojans who still have a god-awful defense to fix. Could contend later but don't get by this time.
Appalachian State 40, ETSU 21 – Already love what Tre Lamb is doing for ETSU and you could see the shift this spring/summer - but it won't be enough to contend with an FBS school out of the gate. Bucs could hang around, but will be playing from behind all afternoon.
