Smoky Mountain Conference picks, week 7; last week 0-1, season 16-7
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Western North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene, which caused most of the region’s games to be postponed or even canceled.
For our neighbors closer to Asheville, it’s not clear of how those teams will proceed with the rest of their games. However, that’s probably the least of their worries.
Robbinsville will play Cherokee on Friday night, which was originally scheduled for last week. It will be Robbinsville’s homecoming game.
Andrews’ game with Southside Christian was cancelled, while Swain County’s game with Madison County was also canceled, as Madison was hit hard by Helene. With that all being said, let’s look at this week’s games as everybody’s conference schedule gets underway.
Cherokee at Robbinsville
This game was rescheduled from last week, and my thoughts haven’t changed.
Robbinsville only has one win this season, but they have played a tougher schedule than they will face the rest of the year. Cherokee is 3-2, with only one win coming against a team with a winning record. The Knights will win this one going away. Robbinsville by 21.
Swain County at Andrews
Swain County has yet to find its offense. Andrews has three wins against less-than-stellar competition, but did play Mitchell very close in their lone loss.
This one is hard to predict, but Andrews may have too much speed for the Maroon Devils – if they can get out of the backfield. Swain still has a decent line, but there are rumors of internal problems that may play to the Wildcats’ advantage. Andrews by 1.
Murphy at Hayesville
Hayesville has had offensive woes of their own this year, with way too many turnovers. They did get on the winning track against Concord Christian last week, but Murphy is a completely different animal.
The Bulldogs are riding high on a four-game winning streak after a week one loss to Franklin. They have had to replace a couple of players in the lineup due to injuries, but they seem to be doing well with the replacements. This will be the first of a two-game road trip for the Dogs, as they travel to Robbinsville next week. They will prove to be just too much for Yellow Jackets this week. Murphy by 14.
J.R. Carroll is a staff correspondent for the Cherokee Scout and a longtime follower of Smoky Mountain Conference football. His picks column will run weekly during the high school football season. Email him at jcarroll8760@gmail.com.