Milan’s Cordarius Johnson (1) catches the game-winning touchdown pass against South Gibson during a high school football game at Johnnie Hale Stadium on Aug. 29, 2025.

“That catch, that run, that ending,” I said walking in the office Monday morning.

“Have you slept since Friday night, Michael?” Victor Parkins said as I saw my bloodshot eyes.

“Maybe one or two hours, but Friday night is everything that an inner-county rivalry should be about,” I replied.

“It was a crazy crowd with a very intense game,” Parkins laughed.

“And both student sections and fan sections were on the edge of their seats from kickoff to final whistle,” I said. “But… even though I got that pick right, I didn’t gain any ground on you.”

And Parkins just laughed as he went into his office to get to work on this week’s print edition.

Odom and Parkins went 10-5 last season. 

Odom went 4-0 with Gibson County area picks, while Parkins went 2-2. Parkins missed Milan’s win over South GIbson and Fayette-Ware’s win over West Carroll.

In the other games, both guys missed Rossville Christian’s win over Fayette Academy, Bruceton’s win over Gleason and Jackson Christian’s win over DCA. Odom also missed South Side’s win over JCM and Covington’s win over Haywood.

So Parkins is now 23-7 (0.767 winning percentage) and Odom is 21-9 (.700).

So let’s look at Week 3:

Huntingdon (2-0) at Milan (2-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

The Dog and Pony Show kicks off the Region 7-2A schedule, and both teams have picked up early wins this season. Milan was expected to be in the hunt for the region title after returning the nucleus from last year, while Huntingdon is more of a surprise after graduating a lot.

Odom’s Pick: Huntingdon 21, Milan 20

Vic’s Pick: Milan 28, Huntingdon 21

Gibson County (0-2) at Peabody (2-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

The Golden Tide put Humboldt away last week with a strong second half, and Tab Vowell is 2-0 in charge of Peabody. This shouldn’t be tough to pick as Gibson County has struggled with transfers and numbers this season.

Odom’s Pick: Peabody 42, Gibson County 6

Vic’s Pick: Peabody 55, Gibson County 20

Chester County (1-1) at South Gibson (0-2)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

The Hornets might have played the best two teams on their schedule in the first two weeks. South Gibson just needs to reset and focus on the region schedule, and this is the team that won the region last year.

Odom’s Pick: South Gibson 24, Chester County 21

Vic’s Pick: South Gibson 35, Chester County 7

Humboldt (0-2) at South Fulton (1-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

The Vikings have played two Class 2A opponents and struggled at times, but this is a winnable. South Fulton had its bye week in Week 1 before beating the smallest football school in Kentucky in Week 2.

Odom’s Pick: Humboldt 26, South Fulton 18

Vic’s Pick: South Fulton 20, Humboldt 16

Dresden (0-2) at West Carroll (1-1)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

The War Eagles couldn’t get the offense going last week, but they now face an upset Dresden team. The Lions have deep playoff aspirations, but now they are just trying to win a game.

Odom’s Pick: Dresden 32, West Carroll 21

Vic’s Pick: Dresden 21, West Carroll 14

Best of the West

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

Odom’s Pick: Westview

Vic’s Pick: Westview

Greenfield (1-1) at Bruceton (2-0)

Odom’s Pick: Greenfield

Vic’s Pick: Bruceton

Gleason (1-1) at Obion County (2-0)

Odom’s Pick: Obion County

Vic’s Pick: Obion County

Haywood (1-1) at Craigmont (2-0)

Odom’s Pick: Haywood

Vic’s Pick: Haywood

St. Benedict (1-1) at Fayette Academy (1-1)

Odom’s Pick: Fayette Academy

Vic’s Pick: Fayette Academy

Bolton (0-0) at Fayette-Ware (1-1)

Odom’s Pick: Fayette-Ware

Vic’s Pick: Fayette-Ware

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

Odom’s Pick: North Side

Vic’s Pick: South Side

Crockett County (2-0) at Lexington (2-0)

Odom’s Pick: Crockett County

Vic’s Pick: Crockett County

TCA (1-1) at USJ (2-0)

Odom’s Pick: USJ

Vic’s Pick: USJ

Dyersburg (1-1) at Camden (1-1)

Odom’s Pick: Dyersburg

Vic’s Pick: Dyersburg

Michael Odom is the sports editor for the Mirror-Exchange, Weakley County Press, Brownsville States-Graphic and Fayette Falcon. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @GCSportsWriter. Reach him by email at michaelodom@milanmirrorexchange.com.