Smoky Mountain Conference picks, week 2: Last week 2-3, 2-3 on season
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Well, we didn’t fare too well with last week’s predictions, going 2-3, but really would anyone out there thought the Smoky Mountain Conference would go 1-5 in the opening week of any football season? Let’s see if we can rebound this week.
Robbinsville at Franklin
The Black Knights hit the road again as they travel to Franklin. The Knights had a little trouble with the pass and speed of East Surry last week, and Franklin has both. While Robbinsville usually plays them tough, I’m just not sure the Knights have the horses to stay with Franklin this year. Panthers win by 12.
Swain at Smoky Mountain
The Smoky Mountain Mustangs had problems with Cherokee last week and had to come back to beat the Braves. Swain is having problems mounting an offense this year, and while I don’t think they have it all figured out by this week, the Devils do have a stout defense, especially against the run. Swain will probably run the veer and play keep away. Maroon Devils win by 3.
Murphy at Heard County, Ga.
The Bulldogs will be smarting over Friday night’s loss, which likely means some personnel was shifted around in practice this week, so look for Murphy to perform much better in week 2. The real question here is how good is Heard County. They are better than last year, as that team started out at 1-5 and this year they are 2-0, beating a team they lost to last year 48-14.
Upon further investigation, neither of their opponents were football juggernauts. Heard County is better, but not by that much. So, is Murphy as bad as they looked last Friday night, is Franklin just that good or does it fall somewhere in between? Murphy has some kinks to work out, but a lot of it will be straightened out by Friday night. I’ll pick conservative just in case they ain’t. Bulldogs win by 6.
Note: Andrews and Hayesville are off this week.
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.