“It’s playoff time in Tennessee!”

“Yes Michael, it is definitely playoff time,” Victor Parkins replied.

“In five weeks, we will be getting ready for the state championships in Chattanooga,” I replied.

“Well, let’s just hope Milan can get healthy before Friday because Mitchell is going to pose some problems,” Victor said. “Milan needed a close game, but they didn’t need to get banged up.”

“It will also be interesting to see how Humboldt responds after its first loss of the season, and if South Gibson can carry momentum into the playoffs and pull the upset,” I said.

“And I still have that eight-game lead on you going into the playoffs,” I laughed.

“Oh brother, here we go,” Parkins said with an eye roll.”

Parkins and myself tied in our picks last week as we each went 13-2 with a 4-1 mark in Gibson County area games.

We both missed Lakeland Prep’s win over Humboldt in the county, and Parkins holds a one-game lead there as he is 50-3 (.943 winning percentage) and I am 49-4 (.925).

Outside of the county, Parkins missed Bolivar’s win over Obion County, and I missed Westview’s win over Covington.

For the regular season, I am 139-19 (.880), while Parkins is 131-27 (.829).

Here is hoping I can keep my lead in the first round of the playoffs:

Mitchell (6-4) at Milan (8-2)

The biggest question mark is the health of some of the Bulldogs that got hurt late in the win over Peabody last week. Mitchell’s defense is tough and going to present some problems, but Carson Kelley and Mason Taylor will carry the offense with the running game.

Odom’s Pick: Milan 20, Mitchell 14

Vic’s Pick: Milan 21, Mitchell 20

South Gibson (4-6) at Haywood (8-2)

Last year, Lexington was the No. 4 seed and went to Brownsville and picked up a win. South Gibson will try to repeat the feat this year. The Hornets gained momentum with Friday night’s win over Hardin County, and they will need another quality performance by the defense.

Odom’s Pick: Haywood 32, South Gibson 28

Vic’s Pick: Haywood 28, South Gibson 24

KIPP Academy (4-6) at Humboldt (9-1)

The Vikings need to put Friday’s loss to Lakeland Prep behind them quickly. A win in this one should help right the ship and get Humboldt into the second round for the first time since 2021.

Odom’s Pick: Humboldt 35, KIPP Academy 12

Vic’s Pick: Humboldt 40, KIPP Academy 6

Best of the West

Class 1A

Oakhaven (5-5) at South Fulton (9-1)

Odom’s Pick: South Fulton

Vic’s Pick: South Fulton

Dresden (5-5) at Westwood (6-3)

Odom’s Pick: Dresden

Vic’s Pick: Dresden

Greenfield (6-4) at Middle College (8-1)

Odom’s Pick: Middle College

Vic’s Pick: Middle College

Class 2A

Houston County (5-5) at Adamsville (9-1)

Odom’s Pick: Adamsville

Vic’s Pick: Adamsville

Union City (5-5) at Fairley (7-3)

Odom’s Pick: Fairley

Vic’s Pick: Fairley

JCM (6-4) at MASE (7-3)

Odom’s Pick: MASE

Vic’s Pick: JCM

Class 3A

Wooddale (5-5) at Westview (10-0)

Odom’s Pick: Westview

Vic’s Pick: Westview

Bolivar (4-6) at Bolton (8-2)

Odom’s Pick: Bolivar

Vic’s Pick: Bolton

Class 4A

Kirby (4-6) at Crockett County (9-1)

Odom’s Pick: Crockett County

Vic’s Pick: Crockett County

North Side (7-3) at Lakeland Prep (7-3)

Odom’s Pick: North Side

Vic’s Pick: North Side

Division II-A

Ezell-Harding (6-4) at Jackson Christian (8-2)

Odom’s Pick: Jackson Christian

Vic’s Pick: Jackson Christian

Fayette Academy (6-4) at Concord Christian (7-3)

Odom’s Pick: Fayette Academy

Vic’s Pick: Concord Christian

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.