Cascade lands at No. 3 in this week's Top 10 in Class A. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Sports reporters from around the state are asked each week to cast their votes for the Associated Press Top 10 high school football poll. The results are released each Tuesday (see page 6).

Some voters see tons of teams play over the course of the season and have at least a fairly firm grasp on who's a contender and who's a pretender. Still others barely make it out of the studio or office but are weighing in regardless.

Does the Times-Gazette get a vote? Yes. Do I see all or even a majority of teams I vote for? No.

I'm not sure how each voter approaches the process, but I personally try to check out the region standings in each class and gauge how tough the competition is for each based on previous postseason experience. Then I also factor in the points for and against each squad and look for star players or college prospects that could make a two-loss team worthy of a vote given their game-changing ability (see Mt. Pleasant's Mr. Football Marco Dailey).

Cascade has been in the Top 10 in Class A all season. This week the Champions (8-0) climbed up to the No. 3 spot and even earned marks from 3-of-19 sportswriters/broadcasters for No. 1.

However, their beat reporter was not one of those. In fact, no Bedford County team received a vote from the Times-Gazette for the Top 10 until last week.

Does that mean we know something here that they don't? Not necessarily.

In actuality, the poll means absolutely nothing. It's little more than a debate from all over the state over which of the school's with quality records are the best. But, a team with seven losses could win the state championship.

Shelbyville Central has a legitimate shot at making the playoffs with only three wins. One more victory against No. 5 Hillsboro or No. 7 Maplewood would cinch it. So too would a Lawrence County loss to either Whites Creek or Tullahoma.

Thus, a losing record doesn't mount to a pile of beans either. The Champs were 9-1 last year when they were taken down in the opening round by a five-loss Wayne County squad.

Nevertheless, some votes for the Top 10 are baffling.

For instance, how does Brentwood Academy get a pair of votes for the top spot ahead of Montgomery Bell Academy after recently losing to an undefeated MBA?

Alcoa wasn't getting as many nods for the top spot in 2A earlier in the year because they have lost a game. But, that one loss is to 4A powerhouse and neighbor Maryville, who could very well be the best team in Tennessee regardless of class.

William Blount earned a vote for No. 1 in 5A even though they not only have two losses but also are in third place in Region 2.

However, I agree with the majority of voters as every school that got my check mark for the top spot is No. 1 this week.

Have I seen any of those six schools play? Nope, not this year anyways. Maryville and Alcoa did win state championships in ‘06. MBA and Knoxville Catholic both have knocked off the schools in their classes that claimed crowns last year. Stay tuned this Friday as undefeated and top-ranked Riverdale battles defending champ Smyrna.

Bedford County hosts one of the more interesting matchups state-wide this week as well with fifth-ranked Jo Byrns coming to Wartrace in attempt to knock Cascade out of the top slot in Region 5. The Red Devils were No. 1 according to some until last Friday night when White House-Heritage pulled off the upset 34-27.

Danny Parker is sports editor of the Times-Gazette.