Robbinsville at East Surry
This is the biggest game of the first week. The Cards had a bad trip to Robbinsville last year and left a few tail feathers at Big Oaks. Since then, the backs that ran over East Surry have graduated, along with quarterback Donavan Carpenter.
The Black Knights return the core of both lines and, while I don’t think they will beat the Cards 40-6 like last season, they hit too hard for the Cards. Robbinsville by 12.
Franklin at Murphy
The Bulldogs spoiled the Panthers’ home opener last year, when the Dogs invaded “The Pit” and made it Bulldog Country. The Panthers should show some improvement this year, but the Dogs will field offensive and defensive lines that will surprise people, and Cameron Clem is no joke at running back. Brady Grant has plenty of targets to throw to again, and the Dogs’ defense may be the best we have seen since Watson has been head coach. Murphy by 14.
Swain at Charlotte County Day School
The Maroon Devils probably have the most experienced defensive and offensive lines in the conference. Swain doesn’t give up a lot of yards on the ground, which is where Charlotte County likes to earn their living.
The Devils won 34-0 last year; don’t look for much of a difference in this one. Swain by 21.
Andrews at Rosman
The Wildcats return a senior-laden team and, even though Rosman has a new head coach, the Tigers’ personnel hasn’t changed much. Andrews handled them at home last year 35-0; look for something similar this season in the Wildcats’ opener. Andrews by 21.
Smoky Mountain at
Cherokee
The Braves were like babes in the woods last year and should have grown up since then. They will find out how much Friday night, when a head of Mustangs come to Cherokee.
The Braves fell to Smoky last year 34-13, although this game should end a little closer. Smoky Mountain by 7.
Asheville School at Hayesville
Hayesville will open at home with a cakewalk. While Asheville School is no stranger to playing schools outside their conference, but they haven’t rolled through the Smoky Mountain Conference yet. They’ll get a dose of that Friday night, as the Yellow Jackets roll. Hayesville by 21.
J.R. Carroll is a staff correspondent for the Cherokee Scout. His conference picks column will run weekly during the football season.