Week 1 Smoky Mountain Conference Preview

 

Murphy vs Franklin

Computer Projection: Murphy -18.5

Franklin has been the thorn in the Dog’s side over the last 2 decades. Since 2002, Murphy is 6-16 vs the Panthers. Coach Brooks always seems to have something special up his sleeve for the team in Black and Gold, but it’s going to take more than a few tricks for the Panthers to leave Cherokee County with a win this year. Murphy looked decent last week in their scrimmage vs AC Reynolds, and they have all the pieces on paper to make a good run this year. They need to come out strong vs this Franklin team and set the tone for the rest of the season, and I think they do just that.

Murphy 35 Franklin 14

 

Robbinsville @ East Surry

Computer Projection: Robbinsville -7.5

The Black Knights will begin their 2024 season with a tough road test vs the 2A East Surry Cardinals. The Knights boat raced the Cards last season under the Big Oaks, but the computer thinks this year’s matchup might be a little tighter, as Robbinsville comes in favored to win by just a touchdown. Personally, I think we see more of what we saw last year. The Knights reloaded and have a lot of fire-power in the skill positions this year that most people aren’t privy to, and for that reason I think they will surprise a lot of people in 2024. 

Robbinsville 42 East Surry 28

 

Cherokee @ Smoky Mountain

Smoky Mountain -14.5

The Braves lost most of their offensive production to graduation and transfer in 2023. While the Mustangs from Smoky Mountain aren’t the most high powered offense in the world either, I think with this game being played in Sylva it gives them the upper hand. I like the computer projection of Smoky Mountain by 2 TDs, but we will see if Head Coach Tim Hawkins and the Braves can put something together here in week 1. 

Smoky Mountain 28 Cherokee 14

 

Swain @ Charlotte Country Day

CCD -6.5

It is baffling to me that Swain County comes into this game as an underdog. While Swain lost the dynamic duo of Joshua Collins and Josiah Glaspie to graduation, they still have that big front line that those guys were running behind last year. Zeke Glaspie looks like he has come a long way this summer, and he is poised to fill the main ball carrier role in 2024. Charlotte Country Day already has one game under their belt as they played last Saturday so it wouldn’t surprise me if they jumped out on Swain early, but I don’t think it lasts long. Swain is too well coached and too big up front to lose this game to a Buccaneers team that was unable to get any penetration in the backfield in their season opener last week.

Swain 21 Charlotte Country Day 10

 

Andrews @ Rosman

Andrews -34.5

A 35 point spread is a ton of points for a game on the road. Rosman is on the up-and-up, and I think this is a game that is closer than most suspect. Going to Rosman is a terrible, terrible bus ride, and it’s easy to come out of the gates flat when you spend all day on the bus. Another thing to note in favor of the Tigers: This game means a whole lot to Rosman. They broke their 30+ game losing streak last year and would love to build on that with a win over a Smoky Mountain Conference team. Still, you have to feel pretty good if you’re a Wildcat fan knowing that you return your QB and RB from last year’s team that beat Rosman 35-0 at home. Aguilar will have a big day and the Cats should take care of business, but the outcome of this game isn’t a foregone conclusion like it has been the previous 7 or 8 years. Andrews 28 Rosman 14

 

Hayesville vs Asheville School

Asheville School -21

The Asheville School Blue’s hoisted the 2023 NCISAA State Football Championship trophy in the air last season. They are still going to be one of the top dogs in their independent classification, so this will be an early test for what looks like a very good Yellow Jacket team. Hayesville is a lot of people’s pick to play “spoiler” in the SMC, but first they’ll have to prove their worth at home vs the defending State Champs. I think the 21 point margin is a bit too big here, especially with the game being in Clay County. I am high on the Jackets this season, and I think they keep this one close until the end. Asheville School 31 Hayesville 21