A Look At The Playoff Picture Around The Upper Cumberland

We have arrived at the final week of the regular season for football in the Upper Cumberland and just like many finales before it, there are plenty of matchups that are sure to provide some late-season drama.

A couple teams around the Upper Cumberland will be fighting for their postseason lives, while others are still jockeying for position and home-field advantage. Here’s a look at some of the games you should keep an eye on.

Cookeville Vs. Blackman

This one is pretty simple: the winner gets to go to the playoffs, and the loser’s season is over. The top three spots in the region are currently occupied by undefeated Oakland, Riverdale and Warren County, meaning this game will decide who gets the final playoff spot.

Both teams come in with identical 3-3 region records, though it’s worth pointing out that those three wins are all of Blackman’s total wins.

The two teams did play a year ago, though the stakes were not nearly as high. Blackman won going away by a 49-7 final, and both teams made the playoffs. Warren County’s magical season has played a hand in this, as their ascension into the top 3 meant that one of these two teams would ultimately be left out.

Jackson County Vs. Trousdale County

While the picture in 6A is pretty clear, it’s not quite as simple in 2A.

The Blue Devils find themselves in a three-way tie for the final spot with Cascade and East Robertson, as all three teams have 1-3 marks in region play.

To add to that, all three teams play the other three teams in the region. East Robertson will play region-leading Watertown, while Cascade has a date with Westmoreland. Jackson County gets to host Trousdale County, who are winners of their last six games and are averaging about 35 points a game over that stretch.

For the Blue Devils to get into the playoffs, they will need to beat Trousdale County and they need Cascade to lose to Westmoreland. A Jackson County win essentially eliminates East Robertson, as the Blue Devils topped them earlier in the season 16-6.

When these teams met a year ago, it was Trousdale County who came away with a 42-20 win, though it was a road game for Jackson County. This Blue Devil offense is also much-improved compared to a year ago, so this will be an interesting 2A matchup to watch.

Livingston Academy Vs. Macon County

Now we’re getting into the matchups that are more about seeding. The Wildcats of Livingston Academy can secure second-place in the region with a win over Macon County.

The Wildcats are fresh off of a 15-7 victory over York Institute in a monsoon, while Macon County was supposed to play White County a week ago in a game that was cancelled due to weather. Because the Tigers wouldn’t reschedule, a win was given to the Warriors.

A win here means a playoff home game for LA, as they would run their region record to 3-1. These two met a year ago in a 42-6 win for Livingston Academy.

Monterey Vs. Gordonsville

This is the Region Championship for these two teams, as Monterey hosts Gordonsville for what is sure to be an explosive matchup.

Sophomore running back Mason Bowman and Sophomore Quarterback Matthew Montgomery have led this team to an undefeated 4-0 mark in region play, and they’ll have one of their biggest tests as a team this Friday.

Gordonsville also comes in with an unblemished region record, and they’ll look to avenge last season’s 28-21 loss at the hands of Monterey.