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Andrews at Starmount
Starmount’s only loss came at the hands of defending 1A champion Mount Airy and they took the Granite Bears to the wire losing 17-14. Andrews will put up a fight but just don’t think they have the horses to weather the storm. Starmount by 21.
Carver at Cherokee
Carver’s four wins have been against other prep schools and the Braves aren’t a prep school. Cherokee will take care of business against the Yellow Jackets this week. Braves by 12.
Thomasville at Robbinsville
Thomasville’s six losses have come against 2A and 3A schools in Piedmont area of the state. They are probably a little better than their record indicates but they are traveling to the Big Oaks and that is worth at least a touchdown. This one could be a barn burner as Robbinsville’s offense has struggled in its last two games, but I still like the home team in this one. Knights by 7.
Hayesville at Union Academy
This is a matchup between two evenly ranked teams. Home field advantage could play into the score in this one, but hey, if Union does not have a bunch of speed then Hayesville could pull off the upset. I like the Jackets in this one. Jackets by 3.
Swain County at Eastern Randolph
Swain has won one game this year and Eastern Randolph hasn’t lost one. Take into account Swain will have a long bus ride there and even a longer one home on Friday night. The Yellow Jackets of Eeastern Randolph will roll in this one. Eastern Randolph by 28.
Highland Tech at Murphy
If Murphy can stay out of their own way there will be a running clock by the half, but the Dogs must limit turnovers to do that. I think they will, and this one will be over early. Dogs by 21.
J.R. Carroll is a staff correspondent for the Cherokee Scout who has followed Smoky Mountain Conference football for 40 years. His picks column will run weekly during the football season. Email him at jcarroll8760@gmail.com.