It depends on how you look at it. This is not the exact same team as last year. I could understand someone moving Mount Heritage over Mount Airy after a dominant win like they had Friday, especially if you weigh this years results more. Mount Airy showed some struggle against North Surry. I personally think some may be underestimating how good North Surry will be this year and why that may have happened. I think North Surry takes their conference again this year. The East Surry and West Stokes against NS games will be fun. Personally, I have an interest in their South Caldwell game. I expect North Surry to win that one this year. Most shocking thing to me Friday was the SMC. I didn't see that poor start coming. I still think the western bracket of the 1A playoffs will be some great games to watch, even more so than the past few years. I think there has been a gap between Mount Airy and the other teams in the west outside of Eastern Randolph the past three years and probably Robbinsville last year. I don't think that gap is there or as big this year. My personal opinion and your are welcome to think I am wrong in that. Unlike the past, 6 or 7 past years, I think Tarboro will actually have to play a competetive playoff game before the championship this year. While they may not be disciplined or have been there before, Wilson Prep does have talent on their team, like it or not. Tarboro will also be tested early with a game against Havelock, so there are good games to look forward to on both sides this year. It's a good time of year. I am glad it is football season again.
