SOCCER
Middle Dogs win SMC
For the first time, the Murphy Middle School boys soccer team won the Smoky Mountain Conference with their 3-2 victory over Cherokee on Nov. 5.
Murphy scoring started with a goal from Gio Perrone to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead, which they held until halftime.
In the second half, Cherokee scored two goals to take the lead.
Perrone found the back of the net again for tie the match.
Christopher Macias scored the game winner for the Dogs as they took a 3-2 lead in the final minutes of the match to help secure the conference championship.
OUTDOORS
Blackpowder opens soon
In the Western zone of the state, deer hunting seasons are about to shift from archery to blackpowder.
Archery season for deer will end Friday and blackpowder season will begin Saturday.
Gun season for deer in the western part of the state will begin Saturday, Nov. 29, and go until Jan. 1, 2026.
Bear is also in season until Nov. 22, then from Dec. 13, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026.
Also in season for the western part of the state is raccoon, opossum, gray and red squirrels, fox squirrels, rabbit, grouse and bobcat.
Youth hunting days are also upcoming on Thursday-Friday, Nov. 27-28 in the western part of the state.
BASKETBALL
Hawks open with wins
Nantahala High School kicked off their boys and girls varsity basketball season Friday night against Macon Early College.
The girls varsity team opened the night and started their season with a 45-15 win. The boys followed and had a dominant performance to also open their season with a win, 68-35.
Both teams will be back in action Friday night, when they travel to Summit Charter. The girls play at 6 p.m., while the boys play at 7:30 p.m.
High school schedule
Friday
Football
No. 1 Murphy vs. No. 16 Albemarle, 7:30 p.m.
No. 9 Andrews @ No. 1 Robbinsville, 7 p.m.
Boys basketball
Nantahala @ Summit Charter, 7:30 p.m.
Girls basketball
Nantahala @ Summit Charter, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Girls basketball
Hiwassee Dam @ Polk County, Tenn., time TBD.
Wrestling
Andrews @ Chase High School.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.