Greenfield’s Jerrick McMullen (9) runs the ball against Humboldt during a Region 7-1A high school football game at Humboldt on Oct. 2, 2026. Photo by Jean Odom.

“I can almost feel it now – waves splashing on my feet, a beachy drink in my hand and the sunshine in my face,” I said early Monday morning.

“Summer vacations are over,” Union City Messenger sports editor Gabriel Jackson laughed.

“Yes, but Fall Break is almost here, beginning on Saturday,” I said smiling.

“Well, I don’t have that luxury,” Jackson scoffed. “Union City and Obion County are off this week, but South Fulton’s bye week was in Week 1, so football every week for me.”

“I will be thinking of you as I lay at the beach,” I replied. “Maybe you can find a way to pass me while I am gone.”

I gained two more games to my lead in our football season pick’em contest.

I went 13-2 last week, while Jackson went 11-4. We both missed McEwen’s win over Dresden and Trinity Christian Academy’s win over Jackson Christian, but Jackson also missed Milan’s win over Union City and McNairy Central’s win over Obion County.

I went 5-1 in our Obion County and Weakley County picks and am now 40-3 (.930 winning percentage) in the two counties, while Jackson went 3-3 and is 27-16 (.628).

As for the entire season through seven weeks, I am 94-11 (.895), while Jackson is 76-29 (.724).

Can Jackson beat me on our light week across West Tennessee?

Dresden (3-4, 2-1 7-1A) at Greenfield (4-3, 1-2)

This is a key game in the Region 7-1A playoff shuffle. Greenfield has the most established rushing games, while Dresden has been able to pass the ball well all season.

Odom’s Pick: Greenfield 24, Dresden 20

Jackson’s Pick: Dresden 49, Greenfield 13

Westview (7-0, 3-0 7-3A) at Bolivar (2-5, 2-2)

The Chargers have to go on the road, but they should have no trouble picking up win No. 8 on the season.

Odom’s Pick: Westview 52, Bolivar 6

Jackson’s Pick: Westview 49, Bolivar 0

Gleason (0-7, 0-3 7-1A) at West Carroll (0-7, 0-4)

One of these teams will benefit from earning the first win of the season, and that could be big as both try to rebuild their program.

Odom’s Pick: West Carroll 21, Gleason 14

Jackson’s Pick: Gleason 28, West Carroll 12

South Fulton (5-1, 2-1 7-1A) at Lake County (4-2, 2-0)

Both of these teams are in the hunt for a home playoff game. A win here would be a huge step toward earning that in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs.

Odom’s Pick: South Fulton 33, Lake County 6

Jackson’s Pick: South Fulton 35, Lake County 14

Best of the West

Raleigh Egypt (5-2) at Peabody (4-3)

Odom’s Pick: Peabody

Jackson’s Pick: Peabody

Bruceton (4-3, 1-1 6-1A) at McKenzie (5-2, 2-0)

Odom’s Pick: McKenzie

Jackson’s Pick: McKenzie

Huntingdon (7-0) at Harpeth (1-6)

Odom’s Pick: Huntingdon

Jackson’s Pick: Huntingdon

Chester County (3-4, 1-3 7-4A) at South Side (0-6, 0-3)

Odom’s Pick: Chester County

Jackson’s Pick: Chester County

North Side (4-2) at Liberty (6-0)

Odom’s Pick: North Side

Jackson’s Pick: Liberty

Fayette Academy (4-3, 1-2 D2-A) at TCA (5-1, 3-1)

Odom’s Pick: TCA

Jackson’s Pick: TCA

Fayette-Ware (2-4, 0-2 8-4A) at Ridgeway (0-6, 0-2)

Odom’s Pick: Fayette-Ware

Jackson’s Pick: Fayette-Ware

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.