We are back!! Well, at least most of us are as the TriCitiesSports.com Celebrity Pickin’ Panel opens its third decade of pigskin prognostication.
After many years on the panel, WJHL’s David McAvoy has retired and after one year on the panel, now-betrothed Andrew McClung of WCYB followed his new bride over to the Greenville, North Carolina area.
On as replacements are WCYB’s Cole Johnson and Voice of the Unicoi County Blue Devils on WEMB, Clay Ramsey.
All will once again be chasing defending champion Parker Wilmoth, who last year held off rookie Brian Owens to win his 10th Jim Moore Cup in 11 seasons.
The 21st season of celebrity picking kicks off with a dozen high school contests highlighted by the 100th meeting between Science Hill and Elizabethton where the ‘Toppers are 9-5 pick to beat the Cyclones for the just the second time in seven seasons.
Dobyns-Bennett lost 24-17 at Farragut last year, but is picked 10-4 to enact revenge in Kingsport.
West Ridge and Greeneville were unanimous selections over Volunteer and Tennessee High while Johnson County is 9-5 over Sullivan East.
The panel is split 8-8 on David Crockett at South Greene.
Here are this week’s selections:
LAUREN BRADFORD – Sports Reporter, WCYB
Science Hill 38, Elizabethton 32 - I went back and forth on this for a while after watching Elizabethton easily handle the Hilltoppers last year, but I think some of Science Hill's new playmakers are the difference.
Dobyns-Bennett 27, Farragut 17
West Ridge 36, Volunteer 7 - The Falcons just don't have the size to compete with West Ridge.
Greeneville 45, Tennessee High 14 - Greeneville was the last team standing last year and they're stacked again this time around.
South Greene 36, David Crockett 32
Daniel Boone 17, Clyde Erwin 13
Cherokee 21, co*cke County 17
Johnson County 24, Sullivan East 21 - Both teams lost big play makers from last year, but I think Johnson County gets the win this time around.
Unicoi County 32, Northview Academy 26
Hampton 23, Pigeon Forge 20
Chuckey-Doak 36, Unaka 18
Happy Valley 27, Cloudland 21
MIKE COX – Voice of Sullivan East Patriots @ 96.3 The Possum
Elizabethton 25, Science Hill 22. - This should be the game that has the most eyes on it, for several reasons. This matchup has been at least a two-score game each of the past 3 seasons post-COVID, with the Cyclones winning two of those. Corbin Laisure's transfer to Johnson City might be exactly what the Toppers need this year, but I don't know that he will be enough to knock this one out in Witten-land. This will be the best game of the last four years. Crank this one up on the radio on 107.9 The Bridge Friday night!
Dobyns-Bennett 30, Farragut 24 -- Two teams with not-so-great seasons last year. Be loyal, buy local, friends. Indians win at home this time.
West Ridge 35, Volunteer 13 -- I adore Volunteer, but now that the Wolves are well into their 6A life and aren't players from three separate schools, rolling over teams two classes lower will be commonplace.
Greeneville 33, Tennessee High 20 - Vikings running game will keep the clock running, but keeping the score down somewhat is all they're going to be able to do in Greene County Friday night.
South Greene 24, David Crockett 23 -- Crockett at home is going to keep this one close, but South Greene is gonna South Greene. It was a three-possession game last year, but switching locations will hopefully make it more competitive. High school football is always better when Crockett is happy...but that's not this week.
Daniel Boone 9, Clyde Erwin, NC 3 -- Blazers lost this one at home last year, 7-0. It'll be another defensive struggle, but I see Boone getting revenge. And it might really be all field goals.
co*cke County 28, Cherokee 24 -- Should be a good game on-air for Jay Phillips and crew on WRGS, but co*cke County should barely get the win here.
Sullivan East 21, Johnson County 17 -- Patriots have a new...well, everything this year. Including that fella who used to coach at Kentucky. Longhorns still have a few stalwarts--including Juan Mejia--that almost pulled off a massive 4th quarter comeback last year. This game feels similar, and I think Peyton Lingerfelt gets enough of his sea legs under him to pull out a win in his first start. Barely.
Unicoi County 34, Northview Academy 33 -- Both teams were good last year, the Cougars at the start and the Blue Devils toward the end. Having the game in Erwin is the big draw there and that helps get the win for Unicoi for Clay Ramsey and friends!
Hampton 21, Pigeon Forge 18 -- It would be a great weekend for a stay in Pigeon Forge, to add a great football game to go with it! I'd love to be down there, gorgeous stadium, gorgeous weather, right in the Smokies. Hampton will travel down there and get it done, but only just.
Happy Valley 13, Cloudland 7 -- While 14 has been a popular number in this series, I don't think either get there this time. Should be a fun one out there!
Chuckey-Doak 34, Unaka 12 -- Second matchup between these two in (at least) ten seasons goes the way of the Black Knights at home...like last year on the road.
TODD FREEMAN – Freeman Productions, ESPN Tri-Cities
Science Hill 28, Elizabethton 21 -- Both teams look to make a deep run into the playoffs this season. Betsy has the Hilltoppers Number in recent years, But I think Science Hill year to win this heated match up.
Dobyns-Bennett 21, Farragut 20 -- Home Field Advantage will be the difference.
West Ridge 24, Volunteer 7 -- Late start for the new coaching staff for the Falcons
Greeneville 35, Tennessee High 14 -- Is Greeneville the best team in the Region?
David Crockett 21, South Greene 7
Daniel Boone 14, Clyde Erwin, NC 7 -- I don’t know anything about Teams from NC
Cherokee 7, co*cke County 3
Sullivan East 21, Johnson County 17
Unicoi County 14, Northview Academy
Pigeon Forge 21, Hampton 14 -- I hope Hampton can get through the Jeep Invasion just to get to the field.
Chuckey-Doak 24, Unaka 3
Cloudland 21, Happy Valley 20
CASEY GOETZ – News Director, WCYB
Science Hill 28, Elizabethton 17 -- Science Hill has only won once in the last six years against Elizabethton and that came in 2022. I think the Toppers make it two straight wins in Betsy and get off to a good start in 2024.
Dobyns-Bennett 24, Farragut 20 -- The Indians lost this game last year at Farragut by a touchdown. I think the home team wins again in a close one.
Greeneville 35, Tennessee High 7 -- Greeneville starts a new season off with a big home win
David Crockett 29, South Greene 21 -- Pioneers get some revenge after losing to the Rebels last year
Clyde A Erwin 17, Daniel Boone 7 -- Boone lost to the boys from NC 7-0 in Gray last year. I think the Blazers score this year but not enough to win
Cherokee 28, co*cke County 21 -- co*cke County only won one game last year and this was it. Cherokee turns the tides this year.
Johnson County 21, Sullivan East 20 -- Give me the smaller school on the road to get the win in this one.
Unicoi County 35, Northview Academy 28 -- The Blue Devils win a shootout to start the year
Hampton 29, Pigeon Forge 18 -- Pigeon Forge only won two games last year, but they did win AT Hampton in the opener. Lightning won’t strike twice for the Tigers. I’ll take Hampton on the road.
Happy Valley 27, Cloudland 22 -- The Warriors survive in this one
Chuckey-Doak 42, Unaka 16 -- The Black Knights are too much for the Rangers
KELLY GOETZ – Morning News Anchor, WJHL
Elizabethton 24, Science Hill 22 - I think the home team will take it, but it will be a close one! ALSO join us on air Friday morning at 6 a.m. As we broadcast LIVE from Elizabethton for our first Friday Morning Kickoff of the season! (Shameless plug)
Farragut 30, Dobyns-Bennett 24
West Ridge 40, Volunteer 28
Greeneville 42, Tennessee High 24
David Crockett 21, South Greene 18
Daniel Boone 28, Clyde Erwin, NC 24
co*cke County 14, Cherokee 7
Sullivan East 28, Johnson County 21
Unicoi County 24, Northview Academy 20
Pigeon Forge 28, Hampton 14
Cloudland 21, Happy Valley 14
Chuckey-Doak 32, Unaka 8
COLE JOHNSON - Sports Report, WCYB
Science Hill 20, Elizabethton 16 – This will be a tough, physical game with all the makings of a few massive turnovers and penalties under the bright lights that will determine the outcome. I grudgingly ever want to pick against Elizabethton, but I think Science Hill added just enough pieces to make it much more competitive than a year ago - and will use one big play to flip the game upside down.
Farragut 27, Dobyns-Bennett 21 – Valiant effort from the Indians, but may lack the brute force up front to take down the Admirals.
West Ridge 30, Volunteer 7 – No problem for West Ridge at home against a team will still a lot of holes following a winless year.
Greeneville 27, Tennessee High 7 – Very similar to last year's turnout. Tennessee High will battle but not enough ability on offense to keep up with the best team in the area.
South Greene 22, David Crockett 19 – Hard to pick the 2A over the 5A for a second straight season, but nothing jumps out about Crockett making a huge turnaround with a very young roster. Meanwhile, South Greene has failed to take any giant steps back recently.
Daniel Boone 21, Clyde Erwin, NC 12 – Don't know much about Clyde being from North Carolina, but have struggled and only beat Boone 7-0 a year ago. Boone will get them back.
co*cke County 23, Cherokee 21 – co*cke County's only win in 2023 was against Cherokee. That may be the same deal this year.
Johnson County 26, Sullivan East 20 – This was a battle a year ago and it feels like the Longhorns will overtake a very young Patriots team this time around and take another step forward in the season.
Unicoi County 35, Northview Academy 14 – This is where Unicoi County's offense opens up out of the gates. They're fast and liable to put up more points than they did in 2023. Should be a revenge win for the Blue Devils.
Pigeon Forge 20, Hampton 13 – Pigeon Forge did not put up a lot of points in 2023, but had their second highest output of the year against Hampton. Could be the same ingredient against a Hampton team that is destined to take a step back from last year's run.
Chuckey-Doak 38, Unaka 16 – Chuckey-Doak lost some offensive production and will be turning to younger players to step in but should not have a problem with Unaka, who's only fielding around 20 players this year.
Happy Valley 21, Cloudland 14 – These two teams have traded blows each of the last seven or eight seasons. Last year, Cloudland won because of a pick-six to turn it around. I think Happy Valley gets back at the Highlanders this year and keeps the back and forth trend going.
TRAVIS LEMING – Owner, Rocky Top Storage
Science Hill 28, Elizabethton 17
Farragut 24, Dobyns-Bennett 17
West Ridge 35, Volunteer 6
Greeneville 48, TN High 10
David Crockett 21, South Greene 10
Daniel Boone 7, Clyde Erwin, NC 6
Cherokee 10, co*cke County 7
Johnson County 17, Sullivan East 3
Northview Academy 28, Unicoi County 27
Hampton 16, Pigeon Forge 10
Chuckey-Doak 34, Unaka 10
Cloudland 19, Happy Valley 9
WADE LITTLETON – TriCitiesSports.com
Elizabethton 24, Science Hill 21 -- The Cyclones have reloaded and will be a contender in Region I, 4A. A Field goal decides this one
D-B 24, Farragut 21 -- Field goal decides this one, too.
West Ridge 42, Volunteer 14 -- Falcons are still a young team while the Wolves will go Falcon hunting.
Greeneville 42, Tennessee High 7 -- Greeneville doesn't rebuild, they reload.
Crockett 42, South Greene 21 -- I saw part of this game last year on Rebel Hill. That was then and this is now. Pioneers will not lose their first game in their renovated stadium.
Clyde Erwin, NC 28, Daniel Boone 21 -- Blazers make the long trip to Carolina.
Cherokee 31, co*cke County 14 -- Chiefs have had all year to think about the beating the Roosters put on them. Jeffers and Company will get this win for Coach Josh Hensley.
Sullivan East 24, Johnson County 23 --- Longhorns go for two late, but the Patriots play a better offense under Hal Mumme.
Northview Academy 29, Unicoi County 28 -- Northview edges the Devils on a two-point conversion late.
Pigeon Forge 28, Hampton 20 -- Tigers grab the Bulldogs by the tail.
Happy Valley 24, Cloudland 21 -- Homestanding Warriors edge the Highlanders.
Chuckey-Doak 31, Unaka 14 -- Black Knights travel to Stony Creek and ride back home victorious.
BRYAN MOORE– 104.9 FM Nash Icon Voice of the Wolves, TriCitiesSports.com
Science Hill 30, Elizabethton 21 -- The 100th meeting between these rivals will once again go to the visitors. The Toppers are loaded and have high expectations. They will set the tone for the season with a big win over the Cyclones.
Dobyns-Bennett 21, Farragut 14 -- The Admirals scored in the final seconds to knock off the Indians in Knoxville last year. The Tribe will return the favor at J. Fred Johnson Stadium on Friday night.
West Ridge 35, Volunteer 14 -- The Wolves are highly motivated to turn around their fortunes and that change begins with a win over the Falcons.
Greeneville 34, Tennessee High 13 -- The Greene Devils are going to win a lot of games this year…maybe all of them. And they will start off the campaign with a victory over the Vikings.
South Greene 27, David Crockett 21 -- The Rebels’ experience will be the difference in defeating the youthful but talented Pioneers.
Daniel Boone 21, Clyde Erwin, NC 19 -- The Trailblazers will avenge last year’s loss to the Warriors.
Cherokee 32, co*cke County 14 -- The Chiefs ended last year by winning four of their last five games. Cherokee will pick up right where they left off and continue their winning ways with a victory over co*cke County.
Sullivan East 30, Johnson County 28 -- This should be another thriller, like last year’s contest. And the Patriots will pull out the victory.
Unicoi County 28, Northview Academy 21 -- The Blue Devils will get some revenge over the Cougars with a hard-fought victory in Erwin.
Hampton 30, Pigeon Forge 20 -- They reload at Hampton and they’re ready for another outstanding campaign.
Chuckey-Doak 27, Unaka 21 -- The Black Knights will hold off Unaka for the win.
Happy Valley 21, Cloudland 18 -- The Warriors ended last season on a roll. Happy Valley will pick up right where it left off and squeak by the Highlanders.
BRIAN OWENS – Local Sports Enthusiast
Football time is finally here! The best time of the year has finally arrived. The rookie in me last year nearly dethroned the GOAT in Parker. I'd like to say that my sophom*ore season, I will take the champ down. However, not so fast my friends... I readily admit that this is the most "going in blind" feeling I have ever had. Usually I have a feel on who's going to be good and who's maybe not, but this year, I have no clue. So, a good opening week could make or totally break my season and my hopes of dethroning the master. So let's get to the picks shall we!
Science Hill 21, Elizabethton 20 -- The Toppers and Cyclones open the Friday Night Rivals TV schedule for 2024 and this should be a dandy. Senior quarterback Spencer Taylor has a couple more options to utilize in the Topper offense in 2024 in Sullivan East transfer tight end Corbin Laisure and Daniel Boone transfer Aiden Perry. The last time these two met in Citizens Bank Stadium, there were some hurt feelings and some tempers flared. That will happen when you have two long time rivals hooking it up under the Friday night lights. Drama is sure to unfold once again in this year's edition. Toppers have more weapons to pull this one out late.
Dobyns-Bennett 21, Farragut 12 -- All of the chatter I see about this matchup says that both squads may be in for a long season. I am very interested to see firsthand how the Tribe operates under an up tempo offense. Quarterback Austin Sykes impressed after taking over the reigns behind center last season. The Admirals have a long road trip and may be weary. I'll take the Tribe to win at home.
West Ridge 41, Volunteer 6 -- Falcons have lost 15 straight. My daughter saw firsthand the Wolves scrimmage against Gate City and tells me the Wolves looked pretty dang good. That tells me that the folks from Church Hill won't see the losing streak end tonight on the Ridge.
Greeneville 45, Tennessee High 8 -- Coach Spradlin's Greene Devils don't ever rebuild, they just reload.
South Greene 21, David Crockett 14 -- Last year the Rebels won this matchup in what most folks called an upset. Will lightning strike two years in a row?
Clyde A. Erwin 28, Daniel Boone 14 -- Have no idea what to pick here. Erwin made the NCHSAA playoffs a season ago but was a one and done after a 61-15 thrashing in the opening round. Home field will make a difference in this one.
co*cke County 22, Cherokee 16 -- The Newport community recently experienced tragedy with the loss of two student athletes in a car accident, including one football player. Emotions will be flowing tonight.
Johnson County 35, Sullivan East 32 -- The "Air Raid" gets an impressive addition with Hal Mumme coming in to be an assistant coach for the Patriots. The "Air Raid" also loses a key component as well with the departure of Corbin Laisure to the Hill. Should be a dandy in Bluff City tonight, but the Longhorns will prevail.
Northview Academy 41, Unicoi County 13 -- I'll take the Kodak crew to head back to the Gateway to the Smokies with a win.
Hampton 18, Pigeon Forge 10
Chuckey-Doak 42, Unaka 6 -- The bigger school Black Knights should have no problem with the Rangers
Happy Valley 22, Cloudland 14 -- Carter County rivalry will go to the Warriors in this one.
CLAY RAMSEY – WEMB Voice of the Unicoi County Blue Devils
Elizabethton 24, Science Hill 21 -- This series has been dominated by Elizabethton lately as the Cyclones have won 5 of the last 6. You have to feel like Stacy Carter wants this one badly, but Elizabethton is just so good at home. This will be a slugfest no doubt. Might the first team to score 30 win? I think the defenses for both sides will keep it under 30, but give me the Cyclones in a close one.
Dobyns-Bennett 31, Farragut 24 -- This game left a sour taste in the Indians' mouth last season, but Dobyns-Bennett has never lost to Farragut at J. Fred, so there's that. The Tribe get this one.
West Ridge 42, Volunteer 14 -- Volunteer has yet to beat West Ridge in three tries, amassing just 20 points over those 3 contests. I expect the Wolves to roll.
Greeneville 50, Tennessee High 7 -- Tennessee High hasn't beaten Greeneville in 15 years and that doesn't change here.
David Crockett 34, South Greene 10
Daniel Boone 17, Clyde Erwin, NC 10 -- These two teams met for the first time last season and a lone Erwin TD rendered the final 7-0. Expect more defense in this one, but I like Boone this time.
co*cke County 35, Cherokee 24 -- A competitive series as of late with both teams 5-5 in the last ten matchups. In situations like this, I like the home team so give me the guys from co*cke County.
Johnson County 30, Sullivan East 28 -- Sorry Mike, I have to go with Johnson County on this one. While history may not be on my side in this series, this is my first potential upset pick. Juan Mejia closed the season strong for the Longhorns last season and to me, he's one of the most impressive running backs in the area. Sullivan East also has lost a ton off of last year's playoff team. It should be a fun one for Mike to call on 96.3 The Possum, though.
Northview Academy 38, Unicoi County 31 -- Yeah, I'll pick against my Blue Devils here. Justin Anderson has done a great job at Northview Academy in 3 seasons, leading them to their first playoff berth since 2017 last season. While the Cougars have lost quite a bit up front, I still think Northview Academy has the edge. This game will come down to which QB plays better between Kolby Jones and Mason Phillips.
Pigeon Forge 27, Hampton 21 -- Pigeon Forge had an uncharacteristically rough 2023, and despite that, they still came up to Elizabethton and beat the Bulldogs. Now they get them at home in a year where they should be a lot better. I do expect Hampton to give a better showing, but give me the Tigers here.
Chuckey-Doak 48, Unaka 6 -- Not much to say here. Black Knights are too much for the Rangers.
Cloudland 21, Happy Valley 14 -- This Carter County showdown has also seen the teams go 5-5 in the last 10 matchups. Again, I'll go with the home team in this one as the Highlanders steal one late against the Warriors.
HEATHER WILLIAMS – Sports Director, WCYB
Elizabethton 17, Science Hill 14 -- Both teams are poised for big years, but when Elizabethton is rolling, few teams can beat them in big games. I think this will be a close and low scoring game, and with the game at Elizabethton, the cyclones will be tough to stop
Dobyns-Bennett 21, Farragut 20
West Ridge 28, Volunteer 0
Greeneville 35, Tennessee High 7
South Greene 21, David Crockett 14
Clyde Erwin, NC 28, Daniel Boone 3
Cherokee 28, co*cke County 0
Johnson County 21, Sullivan East 14
Unicoi County 35, Northview Academy 21
Pigeon Forge 24, Hampton 21
Happy Valley 26, Cloudland 16
Chuckey-Doak 35, Unaka 8
PARKER WILMOTH – Defending and 10-Time Champion
Science Hill 24, Elizabethton 14 - Best game on the slate this Friday. Science Hill has collegiate talent at multiple positions. Coach Witten will have something up his sleeve to slow down the Toppers but I think the Toppers will do what is Necessary to win.
Farragut 28, Dobyns Bennett 7 - Farragut still one of the better teams in Knoxville, DB already down a couple guys to injuries I have to take the Admirals.
West Ridge 35, Volunteer 0 - Wolves have strength in numbers. Volunteer is very young, and lacking key depth that the larger West Ridge can facilitate.
Greeneville 42, Tennessee High 14 - Greene Devils will continue to do what the Greene Devils do.
David Crockett 28, South Greene 12 - Crockett another young team in the area that Chandley will have ready to go. They take care of business and get rolling early.
Clyde Erwin 14, Boone 7 - Coach Jenkins has another young squad with new QB, and RB. I just don't think they pull this one off, but it was a great contest last year.
co*cke County 28, Cherokee 21
Johnson County 12, Sullivan East 6 - East lost a lot to graduation and transfers, I think they're just too inexperienced for this Longhorns squad.
Northview Academy 35, Unicoi 21
Pigeon Forge 21, Hampton 14
Cloudland 14, Happy Valley 12
Chuckey Doak 22, Unaka 12
STEVE WILMOTH – ESPN Tri-Cities, TriCitiesSports.com, Defending Champion
Science Hill 22, Elizabethton 18 – Feel good Cyclone fans…I never get this one right. I’m always in awe of those ‘Topper athletes on Media Day…and they got me again thinking they will be too athletic for Elizabethton.
Dobyns-Bennett 24, Farragut 17 - It’s the Tribe this year with the late touchdown against an Admiral squad that could be void of its top two playmakers.
West Ridge 32, Volunteer 12 - Ok, so maybe my intel providing misleading information and Wolves’ quarterback Trey Frazier will play, but not for long.
Greeneville 41, Tennessee High 12 - Perhaps no team in the area has a tougher opening night assignment than the rebuilding Vikings.
South Greene 22, David Crockett 21 - The Rebels return quarterback Jacob Susong and running back Nate Radar. The two were injured late last season when South Greene lost three of its last five.
Clyde Erwin, NC 21, Daniel Boone 8 - The ‘Blazer offense is void of experienced playmakers.
Cherokee 23, co*cke County 19 - The Chiefs have some pieces they didn’t have early last year.
Johnson County 18, Sullivan East 16 – Going to be interesting to see how East adjusts without Drake Fisher…no matter who is analyzing…
Northview Academy 38, Unicoi County 34 - Could be the best game of the opening weekend with Blue Devil QB Kolby Jones and Cougar QB Mason Phillips on display.
Pigeon Forge 28, Hampton 20 - The Tigers were 2-8 last year while the Bulldogs were 10-3 and made a state quarterfinal appearance, yet it was Pigeon Forge the 24-14 victor in the opener.
Chuckey-Doak 42, Unaka 16 - Black Knight offense lost some zing, but enough left not to be left up the creek.
Happy Valley 22, Cloudland 18 – Warriors are ahead of schedule after going 7-4 with a senior class of just six. There’s just six in this year’s senior group as well.
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