Football season is finally here! The MAC should be top-heavy once again with Asheville and Reynolds having solid teams battling for first. Roberson should be improved while Erwin and McDowell could take small steps back. Can Enka move into the middle of the conference? Will North Buncombe be a little more competitive? Buckle up!
Week 1 Predictions-
Robbinsville @ Asheville- This was one of the biggest upsets of the season last year (or was it really an upset?) Asheville should come into this one with a little extra motivation and returns most of their nasty defense from last season. The cougars do have a freshman QB who will take some lumps but is very talented. Robbinsville will look to dominate the line of scrimmage like last year but I don't see it happening so easily at Asheville High this time around. Expect a good game with Asheville pulling away late.
Asheville 27
Robbinsville 14
Mitchell @ Erwin- Talk about a gauntlet. Erwin opens the season with preseason 1A state title favorite Mitchell before traveling to usually tough Mountain Heritage. Mitchell destroyed the warriors pretty easily last season and Erwin has to replace a lot of starters from last year's team. If Erwin can keep it closer than last season it could mean good things for this year's team. I don't see it happening,
Mitchell 41
Erwin 13
McDowell @ RS Central- As is often the case, this game will determine a lot about how this year's season will go for both teams. McDowell had a decent year last year but was throttled by top teams Reynolds and Asheville. The titans have to replace much of their offensive and defensive lines but have some interesting players at RB and DE. RS is also replacing most of their teams and this game will surely be a close one.
McDowell 21
RS Central 20
Swain @ North Buncombe- Can the Blackhawks keep it competitive this season? Last season was a rough one with blowout loss after blowout loss. Swain is looking to get back to being a power in the SMC after struggling recently. Swain should win.
Swain 28
North Buncombe 13
West Forsyth @ Reynolds- Reynolds took it on the chin last season in this matchup but this year West Forsyth has to make the long trip up the mountain. Reynolds should be improved from last season and this is likely to be a close battle. I like Reynolds to take back the conference title this year and this could be a statement game for them that they are back. I expect a low scoring defensive game with Reynolds pulling it out late.
Reynolds 20
West Forsyth 14
Watauga @ Roberson- There has been chatter about how Roberson should be much improved this season after a rough 2021. This game should tell us a lot more about how much. Watauga is always solid and should be quite good once again this fall. they have an NC State commit on the d line and a tough running game. Last season Watauga won 33-0 at home, lets see if its any closer at TC this year,
Watauga 28
Roberson 14
Enka- BYE
Preseason Power Rankings
1. Asheville
2. Reynolds
3. Roberson
4. Erwin
5. McDowell
6. Enka
7. North Buncombe
Week 1 Predictions-
Robbinsville @ Asheville- This was one of the biggest upsets of the season last year (or was it really an upset?) Asheville should come into this one with a little extra motivation and returns most of their nasty defense from last season. The cougars do have a freshman QB who will take some lumps but is very talented. Robbinsville will look to dominate the line of scrimmage like last year but I don't see it happening so easily at Asheville High this time around. Expect a good game with Asheville pulling away late.
Asheville 27
Robbinsville 14
Mitchell @ Erwin- Talk about a gauntlet. Erwin opens the season with preseason 1A state title favorite Mitchell before traveling to usually tough Mountain Heritage. Mitchell destroyed the warriors pretty easily last season and Erwin has to replace a lot of starters from last year's team. If Erwin can keep it closer than last season it could mean good things for this year's team. I don't see it happening,
Mitchell 41
Erwin 13
McDowell @ RS Central- As is often the case, this game will determine a lot about how this year's season will go for both teams. McDowell had a decent year last year but was throttled by top teams Reynolds and Asheville. The titans have to replace much of their offensive and defensive lines but have some interesting players at RB and DE. RS is also replacing most of their teams and this game will surely be a close one.
McDowell 21
RS Central 20
Swain @ North Buncombe- Can the Blackhawks keep it competitive this season? Last season was a rough one with blowout loss after blowout loss. Swain is looking to get back to being a power in the SMC after struggling recently. Swain should win.
Swain 28
North Buncombe 13
West Forsyth @ Reynolds- Reynolds took it on the chin last season in this matchup but this year West Forsyth has to make the long trip up the mountain. Reynolds should be improved from last season and this is likely to be a close battle. I like Reynolds to take back the conference title this year and this could be a statement game for them that they are back. I expect a low scoring defensive game with Reynolds pulling it out late.
Reynolds 20
West Forsyth 14
Watauga @ Roberson- There has been chatter about how Roberson should be much improved this season after a rough 2021. This game should tell us a lot more about how much. Watauga is always solid and should be quite good once again this fall. they have an NC State commit on the d line and a tough running game. Last season Watauga won 33-0 at home, lets see if its any closer at TC this year,
Watauga 28
Roberson 14
Enka- BYE
Preseason Power Rankings
1. Asheville
2. Reynolds
3. Roberson
4. Erwin
5. McDowell
6. Enka
7. North Buncombe
