Milan’s Dee Kelley (2) dives for a touchdown against South Gibson during a Week 1 high school football game at South Gibson on Aug. 22, 2024.

“Michael, let’s talk about last week,” I heard as I walked in the Mirror-Exchange office on Monday.

I immediately knew it was time to eat crow. After taunting my five-game win over my boss Victor Parkins in the 2023 football pick’em contest, Week 1 went all his way.

So I rolled my eyes and walked in Parkins’ office.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said. “I have already heard it from Peabody coach Shane Jacobs, and he has forbidden me from picking them in a big game the rest of his coaching tenure.”

“How many games did a beat you by, again?” Parkins said.

I went 10-5 (.667 winning percentage) last week, while Parkins went 13-2 (.867). We both missed Lake County’s win over Obion County. I missed University School of Jackson beating Peabody, Dyer County beating Dyersburg, Crockett County’s win over North Side and Chester County’s win over Trinity Christian Academy, while Parkins missed McKenzie’s win over Huntingdon.

So here is hoping for a better Week 2:

Chester County (1-0) at Milan (1-0)

The Bulldogs played well at times last week, but the key will be playing with consistency this week against an Eagles’ team that shut down TCA’s multiple weapons last week.

Odom’s Pick: Milan 35, Chester County 21

Vic’s Pick: Milan 30, Chester County 28

Hamilton (1-0) at South Gibson (1-0)

The Hornets stayed in the game against Milan and showed a lot of fight. That fight will be needed again this week against a Hamilton team that got some transfers in during the offseason.

Odom’s Pick: South Gibson 24, Hamilton 21

Vic’s Pick: South Gibson 31, Hamilton 16

Peabody (0-1) at Jackson Christian (1-0)

The Golden Tide’s defense will have to learn how to contain players after letting USJ break open some runs last week. Jackson Christian has some playmakers like 2024 Division II-A Mr. Football winner Jay’len Mosley.

Odom’s Pick: Jackson Christian 21, Peabody 14

Vic’s Pick: Jackson Christian 35, Peabody 17

Scotts Hill (0-1) at Humboldt (0-1)

The Vikings’ defense showed the ability to score last week against McNairy Central. They play a second team from Region 7-3A to start the season with the hopes of a better defensive effort.

Odom’s Pick: Scotts Hill 35, Humboldt 28

Vic’s Pick: Scotts Hill 21, Humboldt 16

Tipton-Rosemark (0-1) at Gibson County (0-1)

This could be a huge game for the Pioneers in the first year under Kyle Pack. Rebuilding the program will take time, but to get a win in Game 2 of his tenure would be a huge stepping stone.

Odom’s Pick: Gibson County 18, Tipton-Rosemark 12

Vic’s Pick: Gibson County 21, Tipton-Rosemark 14

Harding Academy (1-0) at West Carroll (1-0)

This game wasn’t played last year as Harding Academy decided not to make the trip on the hottest Friday of the season. Temperatures will be high again, and the War Eagles will be hungry for a win.

Odom’s Pick: West Carroll 26, Harding Academy 14

Vic’s Pick: West Carroll 34, Harding Academy 28

MORE

West TN Rankings: Milan up to No. 5 in West Tennessee Football Rankings after Week 1

State poll: TSWA high school football poll after Week 1

Region standings: Updated West Tennessee football region standings after Week 1

Other top games

Stewart County (0-1) at Greenfield (1-0)

Odom’s Pick: Greenfield

Vic’s Pick: Greenfield

Perry County (0-1) at Gleason (1-0)

Odom’s Pick: Gleason

Vic’s Pick: Gleason

Westview (1-0) at Obion County (0-1)

Odom’s Pick: Westview

Vic’s Pick: Westview

McKenzie (1-0) at Dresden (0-1)

Odom’s Pick: McKenzie

Vic’s Pick: McKenzie

Lexington (1-0) at Riverside (0-1)

Odom’s Pick: Lexington

Vic’s Pick: Riverside

USJ (1-0) at Union City (1-0)

Odom’s Pick: USJ

Vic’s Pick: USJ

South Side (1-0) at JCM (1-0)

Odom’s Pick: JCM

Vic’s Pick: JCM

Ripley (0-1) at Crockett County (1-0)

Odom’s Pick: Crockett County

Vic’s Pick: Crockett County

Dyersburg (0-1) at Lake County (1-0)

Odom’s Pick: Dyersburg

Vic’s Pick: Dyersburg