Predicting Shelby at Reynolds, other top Week 2 high school football games in Western North Carolina
The Western North Carolina high school football season is in full swing after kicking off last week.
Here's a look at the top eight WNC games for Week 2.
Providence Day (1-0) at Asheville High (1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Providence Day, arguably the best team in the state of North Carolina, is the defending NCISAA Division I state champion and has five- and four-star recruits littered all over its roster. Asheville High has a three-star in Rutgers commit Noah Shaw.
Coach Cort Radford's team hung on to defeat Tuscola last week even without several key starters. However, it did rack up lots of penalties and allowed several big plays on defense.
Prediction: Providence Day 35, Asheville High 14
Shelby (0-1) at Reynolds (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Both teams may have lost last week, but they played difficult non-conference opponents in Kings Mountain and East Forsyth.
Reynolds beat Shelby 45-21 last season. It likely will be without star running back Max Guest, who suffered a foot injury in the preseason, but it probably won't affect this week's outcome.
Prediction: Reynolds 28, Shelby 14
West Henderson (1-0) at Hendersonville (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
This rivalry matchup of Henderson County schools lost a little bit of its flavor after North Henderson defeated Hendersonville last week 31-12.
However, Hendersonville's defense should provide more of a challenge for West Henderson's offense than Newton-Conover a week ago.
Prediction: West Henderson 35, Hendersonville 21
Franklin (0-1) at Robbinsville (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Murphy dominated Franklin in a 41-14 win last week, meaning Robbinsville likely will make quick work of the Panthers, too.
It'll be interesting to see if the Black Knights' defense can force several turnovers again as they did against East Surry.
Prediction: Robbinsville 40, Franklin 21
Swain County (1-0) at Smoky Mountain (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Smoky Mountain at Swain County was one of the best games of the 2022 season. Smoky Mountain overcame a 13-point deficit in the final four minutes to defeat the Maroon Devils 21-20.
This year's game should be just as close. Swain County is capable of beating Smoky Mountain this time around after the Mustangs lost some key players this offseason.
Prediction: Swain County 28, Smoky Mountain 24
Pisgah (1-0) at Enka (1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Pisgah's defense looked strong in its opening win vs. Brevard last week, forcing three turnovers and allowing only 10 points.
But Enka's offense should be a better test for the Bears. Running back Dalton Sims rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-14 win vs. Owen.
Prediction: Pisgah 21, Enka 14
Mitchell (1-0) at McDowell (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Mitchell's offense looked sharp in a 16-7 win against a solid NCISAA Division I team in Charlotte Latin last week. Running back Chase Duncan ran for 143 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. McDowell also showed a strong running game in a 31-24 overtime loss to R-S Central last week.
Mitchell returns enough players on defense to extend its winning streak vs. the Titans to two games.
Prediction: Mitchell 28, McDowell 17
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Tuscola (0-1) at Polk County (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Polk County turned in a complete performance vs. Madison, winning 33-7 in coach Dustin Fry's first game. New quarterback Lawson Carter connected with star receiver Antonio Simpson for two touchdowns. The defense also intercepted four passes.
However, Tuscola looked strong, exceeding most people's expectations in a narrow 25-22 loss vs. Asheville High last week.
Prediction: Tuscola 35, Polk County 21
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Predicting Shelby at Reynolds, other top Week 2 high school football games in WNC
