EXPERT PREDICTIONS Presented by TLT Sports Performance: WEEK FIVE

Week five’s guest picker is Upperman lacrosse coach, local sports photographer and friend of UCR Jonathan Aldrich. You can find him on Instagram at @jtakezpix or roaming a sideline at games across the Upper Cumberland.

Noah: York Institute 21-14

Strength of schedule comes back to help the Dragons as they build momentum as they begin region play. The real question is if this game will last longer than 1:45 with the way these teams run the ball.

Jacob: York Institute 35-14

I think the Dragons SOS will prove big in this game. The Dragons have been tested in every game this season, including last week’s big win against LA. Both teams run a similar style and I think the Dragons get the job done at home in a big way.

Goose: York Institute 14-8

York got to flex their muscles last week, and I think that was the spark they needed to get the ball rolling against a really tough Class 2A schedule. We chose this one as the game of the week for a reason, and I’ll take the Dragons to win a good, old-fashioned slug fest on the Mountain.

Jonathan: York Institute 28-14

The dragons are coming off a great win against Livingston, and will continue to build off that this week. I think that despite the record shown, they are a much better team than 1-3 and the dragons will prove that to everyone in the stands and everyone tuned in on Friday. Dragons by 2 scores

Justin: York Institute 24-14

The Tigers from Lafayette remain undefeated setting up a potential top 2 showdown next week

Macon County has taken care of business so far this season and I think that continues this week. DeKalb’s defense has been solid in three of the four weeks so far, but Macon’s rush attack is easier said than done to slow down.

Goose: Macon County 42-21

This game has a ton of intrigue following DeKalb County’s red-hot start to the season. This will be Macon County’s biggest test to date and I think the visiting Tigers will be up for the challenge. Look for Macon to have a few tricks up their sleeve that they’ve saved for region play.

Jonathan: Macon County 35-10

What Shoulders and Co. have going on at Macon this season so far is super exciting and with all the size throughout this team, it’ll be hard for DeKalb to match that. Give me the Tigers

Justin: Macon County 35-10

The Warriors are hungry to prove they are the class of Region 4/4A, and I expect their run game to find its explosiveness again. Livingston is better than what they showed last week, but they are facing a great team on Friday night.

Jacob: White County 35-14

Sparta has looked really solid to start this season outside of last week and still got a fairly “easy” victory. Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season to the team who surrendered 53 points to Sparta a few weeks ago. I like the Warriors at home in this one.

Goose: White County 49-21

It’s the region opener for both teams tonight in Sparta, and I’m expecting White County’s hot start to continue against Livingston. This game came down to the wire last season, but I think the Warriors won’t leave any doubt this year.

Jonathan: White County 28-7

I like the Warriors to come out strong and score quick against a very respectable Livingston team. After that, time of possession is going to be the downfall of the Wildcats. Give me White County by 3 scores.

Justin: White County 31-21

Two teams hungry to get into the W column, but the Cavs are clearly the better team. Cookeville rolls.

Cavs have struggled to start the season in terms of wins and this was the game a year ago to right the ship. I think it’s the same this year as Cookeville gets back on track.

Cookeville is so much better than their record indicates, and tonight I think they get to flex some muscle. Give me the Cavaliers running away with it.

Jonathan: Cookeville 35-7

Cookeville has shown its dominance vs Wilson Central in the recent past and I think they’re all eager to get out there and continue that dominance this year while also finding another check in the win column. Cavs by 4 scores.

Beech has earned a right to be a favorite in this game, but I think Upperman keeps it much closer than many predict. Ultimately, a lean towards the home 5A squad.

Beech runs the ball really really well and have a very physical front line who dominated Upperman a year ago. An Upperman team we all thought was one of the best in the state. Beech can also throw it to their four star wide receiver whenever they choose. I like the Bucs in a good game.

Upperman’s schedule gets no easier this week with a non-region contest at Class 5A #8 Beech. The Buccaneers are physical up front and would be a tall task for anybody in the Upper Cumberland to contain. I think this one’s close for a while, but give me Beech to pull away late in a really physical football game.

I think that Beech has the ability to beat teams in a harsh way through the air and on the ground. And although I think Upperman has shown to play well with and against the run, the bucs have one of the best passing games that the bees will see all season, and that is going to be the struggle for them. Give me Beech in a hard fought effort from the bees.

Justin: Beech 28 Upperman 16

Noah: Jackson county 21-13

Jacob: Jackson County 21-7

Goose: Jackson County 27-16

Jonathan: Jackson County 35-0

Justin: Jackson County 24-13

Jacob: Gordonsville 21-14

Goose: Gordonsville 34-14

Jonathan: Gordonsville 28-14

Justin: Gordonsville 21-20

Noah: Trousdale County 28-14

Goose: Trousdale County 17-14

Jonathan: Clay County 21-14

Justin: Clay County 28-20

Jacob: Stone Memorial 28-21

Jonathan: Cumberland County 7-0

Jacob: Grundy County 35-12

Goose: Grundy County 42-8

Jonathan: Grundy County 42-0

Justin: Grundy County 42-7