WNC high school football predictions for Week 11, including Swain County at Robbinsville
It’s Week 11 of the Western North Carolina high school football season and the last week before the NCHSAA playoffs begin.
Here’s a look at the top eight WNC games this week, and our score predictions. Sports writer Zachary Huber is making the predictions.
Game of the Week
Swain County (9-0) at Robbinsville (8-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
The Smoky Mountain Conference championship is on the line when Swain County and Robbinsville. Two of the best running backs in WNC will also be featured in the Black Knights' Cuttler Adams and the Maroon Devils' Josh Collins. Swain County has one of the area's best defenses, giving up only 10 points per game, which makes it more capable of slowing down Robbinsville's offense.
Huber's prediction: Swain County 28, Robbinsville 24
Draughn (8-1) at Mountain Heritage (7-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Draughn and Mountain Heritage will be playing for a Western Highlands Conference title. Mountain Heritage has won six in a row after dropping two of its first three behind strong play from quarterback Brandon Quinn. The Cougars will need a strong game from middle linebacker Malachi Huskins and outside linebacker Cason Jones to have a chance against the Wildcats' potent offense.
Huber's prediction: Draughn 35, Mountain Heritage 31
Pisgah (7-2) at North Henderson (7-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
The Mountain 7 Conference championship may have already been clinched, but this is a critical game for playoff seeding. Pisgah's defense led by cornerback Sawyer Belue and defensive end Tytus Bridges will need to show improved run defense against North Henderson's running game led by running backs Zion Fauntleroy-McDaniel and Mason Gasperson.
Huber's prediction: North Henderson 24, Pisgah 20
West Henderson (9-0) at Tuscola (5-4)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Tuscola coach Jonathan Crompton will face his former team for the first time. Crompton was the offensive coordinator for West Henderson last season. The Falcons haven't missed a step following his departure. Running back Carson Dimsdale and wide receiver Truitt Manuel have led the offense that is averaging 43 points per game. The Mountaineers need a big effort from quarterback Jed West to keep up with West Henderson's offense.
Huber's prediction: West Henderson 38, Tuscola 31
Polk County (4-5) at Brevard (7-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Brevard clinched the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference championship last week, but Polk County still has a lot to play for. It needs one more win to seal a top seed in the NCHSAA 1A playoffs. Brevard will be quite a challenge for quarterback Lawson Carter and wide receiver Antonio Simpson. The Blue Devils are led by quarterback Benjamin Kessinger and running back Corey Matthews.
Huber's prediction: Brevard 35, Polk County 17
Hickory Grove Christian (8-1) at Asheville School (5-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Asheville School has won three straight since its 2-3 start, thanks to quarterback Ricky Tolbert, running back Caleb Jenkins and wide receiver Hayezon Tobe. The Blues are peaking at the right time as they try to defend their NCISAA Division II state championship.
Huber's prediction: Asheville School 38, Hickory Grove Christian 28
Andrews (4-5) at Hayesville (5-4)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Hayesville might be 1-3 in Smoky Mountain Conference play, but all three of its losses came in one-score games. Running back and linebacker Taylor McClure and the Yellow Jackets' defense slow down Andrews' strong running game led by running back Dalton Rose and NC State commit and offensive tackle Tyler West.
Huber's prediction: Hayesville 24, Andrews 20
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Murphy (6-3) at Cherokee (5-4)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Cherokee has had a strong season under first-year coach Tim Hawkins but plays in the toughest NCHSAA 1A conference in North Carolina. Murphy's star running back Hunter Stalcup proves to be too difficult to stop for Cherokee and star middle linebacker Luke Climbingbear.
Huber's prediction: Murphy 31, Cherokee 20
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: WNC high school football predictions for NCHSAA Week 11
