It’s the time of the year, we at the L4 Security 13th Region Media Network began making our weekly 13th Region High School Football Pick’ems.
We’ve got some good games taking place in Week One, so without taking any more of your time, let’s take a look at who we think will win this week’s matchups:
Friday, August 19
Cumberland Falls Pigskin Classic
Williamsburg vs. Oneida, Tenn., 5:45 p.m. at Corbin
Look for the Yellow Jackets to get off to a good start once again against an Oneida, Tenn. that has had a hard time finding a way to beat Williamsburg.
Who wins? Williamsburg 42, Oneida, Tenn. 6
Pikeville at Corbin, 8:45 p.m
This is the best matchup in Week One with both teams ready to make a deep run in their respective class’s playoffs this season.
This game is basically a toss-up but Corbin will have a slight edge being able to play the Panthers at home. Look for senior quarterback Cameron Combs to have a big game for the Redhounds.
Who wins? Corbin 24, Pikeville 20
First Priority Bowl
Berea at Harlan, 7:30 p.m.
The Green Dragons need something positive to happen to open the season, and they’ll get just that with a win over a Berea team that is looking to pull off the upset. Defense saves the day for the Green Dragons.
Who wins? Harlan 27, Berea 16
First Priority Bowl
South Laurel at Harlan County, 7:30 p.m.
Yes, it’s only the first week of the season but to be honest, this is a big game for both teams.
The Black Bears need to win this game at home, and South Laurel is hoping to win a season-opener for the first time since 2019. The Cardinals are 2-26 since that win.
Who wins? Harlan County 42, South Laurel 19
Knox Professional Pharmacy Bowl
Clay County at Knox Central, 7:30 p.m.
This is another big game on the 13th Region. Both teams have had good summers but now it’s time to shine. The Panthers could be a sleeper in the region while the Tigers continue to improve. I actually believe this could be a high-scoring affair,
Who wins? Knox Central 42, Clay County 26
Short-Redmond Auto Group Pride of the Mountains
North Laurel at Bell County, 7:30 p.m.
Two of the 13th Region’s best teams will be squaring off on Log Mountain in what should be a heck of a game.
The Jaguars won last season’s contest, holding off the Bobcats to grab the win but things could be different this time around. Both teams are talented, and both teams are hungry for a win. North Laurel’s defense looked in mid-season form during last week’s scrimmage against Boyle County but the Jaguars’ offense struggled.
Bell County looks to be even better from last season, and is always hard to beat at home.
Who wins? Bell County 21, North Laurel 13
Middlesboro at Hazard, 7:30 p.m.
Two mountain powers will go head-to-head in what should be a big matchup. Hazard is looking to start the season strong with a big win at home while Middlesboro is looking to continue its impressive play from last season. This will be a good one.
Who wins? Hazard 28, Middlesboro 25
Jackson County at McCreary Central, 7:30 p.m.
The Generals haven’t won a season-opener since 2018 while the Raiders are looking to build on their three wins from last season.
Who wins? McCreary Central 35, Jackson County 14
Lynn Camp at Jellico, Tenn.
Lynn Camp is traveling to the Volunteer State to see if the Wildcats can stop their 17-game losing skid. They’ve not won since a 43-40 victory over Pikeville on Nov. 8, 2019.
Who wins? Jellico, Tenn. 42, Lynn Camp 19
Phelps at Pineville, 7:30 p.m.
The Mountain Lions struggles during their scrimmage loss against Letcher Central last week but look for the Mountain Lions to turn things around Friday at home.
Who wins? Pineville 34, Phelps 6
Perry Central at Whitley County, 7:30 p.m.
I’m high on the Colonels this season. I expect to see Whitley County to be one of the most-improved teams in the region.
Who wins? Whitley County 28, Perry Central 14
