Smoky Mountain Conference picks, week 7; last week 3-0, season 19-7
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All teams began Smoky Mountain Conference play last week, and we learned a few things.
First, Swain hasn’t fixed its offense yet, and I don’t think they will, but the Maroon Devils’ defense is still stout. They held Andrews to only 67 total yards in the Wildcats’ 2-0 win against them.
Two games this week will have huge implications on the conference standings – Andrews at Cherokee and Murphy at Robbinsville. In my way too early prediction, these two games could very well decide the one, two and three positions in the final conference standings.
Let’s look at this week’s games and find out what to expect.
Andrews at Cherokee
I expect this game to be a shootout, as both teams have given up points when they faced decent competition. When I pick this one, I have to look back at Andrews’ game with Mitchell, which they only lost because they didn’t convert a two-point conversion.
On the other hand, Cherokee scored 16 points on Robbinsville, which does have a decent defense. The Braves are at home, and I think these two teams are very evenly matched, but I like them clawing Wildcats to take this one. Andrews by 3.
Hayesville at Swain
The Yellow Jackets’ defense has some work to do. The good news for Hayesville is Swain has only scored 26 points in five games.
Hayesville can move the ball, with two strong running backs in Tre Graves and Dawson DeVane. If the Jackets can figure out how to put some points on the board, they will win this game. I think they will figure out how to do it. Hayesville by 3.
Murphy at Robbinsville
Robbinsville is not the team we are used to seeing out of Graham County. However, this year’s Black Knights can still run the ball the way they always have been able to do, as Mason Jones can tote the mail.
To make matters worse for opposing teams, Bryce Adams has brought a new concept to Robbinsville. They can now throw the ball well. Cooper Adams will round out the backfield for the Knights.
Murphy has a full complement of running backs back with the return of Jonah Hedden to join Cameron Clem and Kadence Leatherwood. The Bulldogs’ defense has also been stingy, with the exception of two games.
This game will be won at the line of scrimmage, where Murphy has been playing well, but so have the Black Knights. This will be close. This game will probably decide the conference crown, barring any upsets later in the season. Everyone will say this is a homer pick, but so be it. Murphy by 3.
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 football season. Email him at jcarroll8760@gmail.com.