Milan’s Carson Kelley (2) runs the ball against Gibson County during a Region 7-2A high school football game at Johnnie Hale Stadium on Sept. 18, 2026. Photo by Carrie Hurt.

“Perfection!”

“Oh brother, this is going to be a long week,” Victor Parkins grumbled Monday morning.

“You can call me the 1972 Miami Dolphins, or the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers or the 2019 LSU Tigers,” I replied.

“That is a little stretch of the imagination,” Parkins chuckled. “If you were that invincible, you wouldn’t have those 10 misses on the season.”

“Maybe we should get a banner made to hang in Milan City Hall!” I said.

“Maybe you should realize that I went perfect last week also,” Parkins said. “So maybe focus on getting your stories in from last week, so we can print a paper today.”

Parkins and myself both went a perfect 15-for-15 with our Week 5 picks, including a perfect 6-for-6 in games involving Gibson County area teams.

We are both 22-2 (.917 winning percentage) in the county through five weeks of the season.

I continue to hold a six-game lead on Parkins this season. I am 65-10 (.867) on the season, while Parkins is 59-16 (.787).

So can we have a perfect week again in Week 6?

Milan (3-2, 1-1 7-2A) at JCM (3-2, 1-1)

This game could determine who finishes second in Region 7-2A and earns the right to host a home playoff game in the first round of the playoffs. The Bulldogs picked up a win last week after back-to-back losses, while the Cougars were shut out by Huntingdon.

Odom’s Pick: Milan 27, JCM 21

Vic’s Pick: Milan 38, JCM 14

South Gibson (2-3, 1-1 7-4A) at Dyer County (2-3, 0-3)

This game has major playoff implications as the loser is most likely out of the playoffs. The Hornets still have Crockett County, Lexington and North Side – the top three teams in the region – to play, so this win is crucial.

Odom’s Pick: South Gibson 21, Dyer County 20

Vic’s Pick: South Gibson 28, Dyer County 14

Peabody (3-2, 1-1 7-2A) at Union City (2-3, 1-0)

Both of these teams have one win in Region 7-2A play. In most scenarios, three wins is needed to earn a playoff spot. So there is plenty on the line. Did Peabody gain confidence with the big win over Douglass last week, or did Union City learn to win beating Halls by one?

Odom’s Pick: Union City 24, Peabody 21

Vic’s Pick: Union City 21, Peabody 14

Humboldt (5-0, 2-0 7-1A) at Dresden (3-2, 2-0)

The Vikings are the favorite to win the Region 7-1A crown this season, but Dresden is the defending region champions and have won three straight games coming into this one. Humboldt should be able to use its athleticism to their advantage.

Odom’s Pick: Humboldt 36, Dresden 27

Vic’s Pick: Humboldt 38, Dresden 14

Gibson County (1-4, 0-2 7-2A) at Huntingdon (5-0, 3-0)

If playing Milan last week wasn’t enough, the Pioneers get to play the defending Class 2A state champions this week as Huntingdon tries to go 4-0 in region play.

Odom’s Pick: Huntingdon 35, Gibson County 6

Vic’s Pick: Huntingdon 56, Gibson County 12

West Carroll (0-5, 0-2 7-1A) at Greenfield (3-2, 0-1)

Neither of these teams have a win in Region 7-1A play yet. Greenfield has been inconsistent at times, but can the War Eagles find consistency in their offense to pull off the win?

Odom’s Pick: Greenfield 35, West Carroll 12

Vic’s Pick: Greenfield 42, West Carroll 20

Best of the West

Obion County (3-2, 0-2 7-3A) at Dyersburg (3-2, 2-0)

Odom’s Pick: Dyersburg

Vic’s Pick: Dyersburg

Westview (5-0) at Lausanne (1-2)

Odom’s Pick: Westview

Vic’s Pick: Westview

Gleason (0-5) at Perry County (1-4)

Odom’s Pick: Perry County

Vic’s Pick: Perry County

Ballard Memorial (Ky.) (2-2) at South Fulton (3-1)

Odom’s Pick: South Fulton

Vic’s Pick: South Fulton

Haywood (3-2, 2-0 8-4A) at Fayette-Ware (1-3, 0-1)

Odom’s Pick: Haywood

Vic’s Pick: Haywood

Fayette Academy (1-4) at Halls (2-3)

Odom’s Pick: Fayette Academy

Vic’s Pick: Halls

North Side (3-1, 2-1 7-4A) at Crockett County (4-1, 2-1)

Odom’s Pick: Crockett County

Vic’s Pick: Crockett County

Chester County (3-2) at McKenzie (3-2)

Odom’s Pick: McKenzie

Vic’s Pick: McKenzie

TCA (3-1, 1-1 D2-A) at FACS (0-4, 0-2)

Odom’s Pick: TCA

Vic’s Pick: TCA

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.