–Pigskin Preview - Week #4
13 September 2007Games of Sept. 14, 2007
Brevard @ Asheville High
Tuscola @ Reynolds
Owen @ Enka
Franklin @ Smoky Mountain
Hendersonville @ East Henderson
Pisgah @ Mitchell
Erwin @ Mountain Heritage
Roberson’s dominance of Reynolds, North Henderson’s dismantling of Erwin, and Murphy’s runaway win over Smoky Mountain were attention grabbers last week. McDowell, the Northwestern Conference’s other school from western North Carolina, is having difficulties on defense, which detracts from the eye-opening feats of TK. A 3-A school, R-S Central, that was shut out by 1-A Polk County racked up 54 points against the 4-A Titans, who need to regroup this Friday in a home tilt with Mt. Zion Christian (from Gastonia, formerly called Prince Avenue North).
Both Brevard (2-1) and Asheville High (1-1) are coming off open dates after suffering their first loss of the season. The Cougars have spent the last two weeks correcting early flaws and sharpening their competitive edge. The Blue Devils have had time to recover from the hard hits taken at home against the mountain region’s top team (as of late summer). Asheville may have the upper hand for its home opener, and is still smarting from getting blanked at Brevard one year ago. On the other hand, the MAC power has been too inconsistent—thus far. Blue Devils, 23-17
Another mountain team getting last Friday off was Tuscola (2-1). That gave Waynesville more time to hoop-and-holler after new coach Donnie Kiefer’s crew took care of Pisgah a week prior. An extra week to celebrate was enough for the Mountaineers, who take on angry Reynolds (1-2) in a big clash tomorrow night. The third-year meeting resumes an old rivalry from when both schools were 4-A giants, annually going head-to-head for conference supremacy. It hasn’t worked out as before. The Rockets have outscored score Tuscola 89-3 over the last two years, giving Coach Kiefer another score for his team to settle. Expect a closer tally this time, but the same result. Rockets, 28-21
Enka (2-2) has given Owen (2-1) fits through the years, though not lately. The Jets have pulled off some memorable wins over the Warhorses since the days when Brad Johnson was pulling the trigger for Kenny Ford’s yearly crew. In junior Adam King, Enka has a gutsy quarterback with a newfound running game to call upon. Those are just two reasons why Owen is preparing extra hard for this one. The Jets will notice from the first snap how much quicker, beefier, deeper, shiftier and more experienced this week’s foe is. Warhorses, 34-20
Another fast start for Smoky Mountain (3-1) met with disaster last week at long-time nemesis Murphy. Similar last year, the Mustangs will pick up the broken pieces and go all out against Franklin (3-1), but—as in ’06—it won’t be enough. For fans of power plays and back-to-basics, ball control offenses, head to Sylva tomorrow night for some quick-hitting, rim-rattling action from both sides. Workhorse tailback Josh Young provides raw power for the Panthers, 23-12
After the pounding it took at Smoky Mountain last month, few football teams can match the improved play of Hendersonville (3-1). The Bearcats could make a clean sweep of Henderson County with a W this week at East Henderson (2-2). Either way, it won’t be without a struggle. Both sides feature experienced juniors playing key roles, and each team could continue to get better through the season. The Eagles have had Hendersonville’s number the last two years. The winner this time will be the squad that keeps turnovers to a minimum, especially in the red zone. Color it Bearcats, 21-17
Pisgah (3-1) rises to the occasion like few other programs, and rarely suffers a letdown. That mettle will be tested this week. The Black Bears’ most recent victim had their way with tomorrow night’s opponent on the previous Friday, but comparing scores rarely plays out like you’d think. Too many unforeseen factors are involved. Pisgah now faces dangerous Mitchell (1-2), a team it has owned the past three seasons, tomorrow night in Bakersville. The Bears hope to regain some lost clout from two weeks ago—a demoralizing loss in Waynesville—and coach David Pressley was pleased with his team’s recent turnaround. In contrast, the “other” Mountaineers had greasy fingers during a thorough whuppin’ at North Buncombe. Mitchell has had an extra week to recoup, although last year’s 49-0 rout in Canton also comes to mind. Things can change in a hurry. Upset Special of the Week: Mountaineers, 23-20
Two teams hoping to plug early season gaps are ready to take out some frustrations in Burnsville. Erwin (1-3) hasn’t found the right rhythm on either side of the ball, while improved but very young Mountain Heritage (2-2) has located some more holes that need filling. Each side features a promising junior at QB and a talented but inconsistent running game. Both defenses took a recent beating, and both clubs need a win in the worst way before conference play begins next week. Warriors, 24-22
—Michael Hughes
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