–Pigskin Preview - Week 6
27 September 2007This week’s Super Seven
Games of Sept. 28, 2007
Murphy @ Cherokee
North Buncombe @ Roberson
Franklin @ Erwin
Mitchell @ Owen
Asheville High @ Enka
Smoky Mountain @ Tuscola
Andrews @ Robbinsville
McDowell’s win last week over once-beaten South Caldwell and Erwin’s hard-fought victory over Tuscola brought new hope to teams many had given up on. That wasn’t all. Avery County’s shocker over Owen adds more intrigue to the Western Highlands Conference race as the fall season arrives at long last. Nine area teams are in line this week for a 2-0 start in league play, including the formerly overlooked Titans and Warriors. The Vikings are anxious to take on WAC foe West Henderson.
It was widely held that the Smoky Mountain Conference frontrunner in 2007 would emerge after Murphy (4-1, 1-0) battled Cherokee (3-2, 1-0). It happens tomorrow night, and nothing has changed that scenario. The Bulldogs bring one of the region’s most storied programs to Ray Kinsland Stadium and appear to be in top form as October approaches. All-purpose wingback Ian Reese is one of the most productive and unsung players in the mountains and Murphy will look his way often, even as the Braves boot the ball the other way on punts and kickoffs. For Cherokee, tailback/safety Langston Wood has proven time and again that he’s the real deal on both sides of the football. Neither standout gets isolated defensive attention as both clubs have multiple weapons. Either team could explode or it could be another game for the ages. Bulldogs, 35-31
North Buncombe (5-1, 1-0) coach Carey Metts told anyone who would listen last summer that his team would contend in 2007, but few heard him above the applause coming from other directions. The Black Hawks face their biggest test tomorrow night at Roberson (5-0, 1-0). The state-ranked Rams are coming off a scare at Franklin with equal parts determination and fortitude. Ironclad plans are in the works to keep Randy Presley out of the end zone after surrendering two first quarter scores—and more points that they’d given up all season—to the Panthers. Following a close loss in Canton, North Buncombe survived another upset bid last week against Enka, and need a better defensive effort to stay up in Skyland. Rams, 28-14
Franklin (3-3, 0-1) cannot afford an 0-2 start in the loaded MAC, but has its hands full with a team that has won six of its last
seven at home. Resurgent Erwin (3-3, 1-0) has a hard schedule ahead and needs forward momentum to stay in the hunt. Ronnie Fortune and Devian Humes give the Warriors maybe the region’s best receiving duo, and slithery tailback Martin Jackson (725 yds., 8 TDs) keeps the open areas uncovered in Erwin’s gun-I, which needs to limit mistakes to be effective. Fortune (30 rec., 362 yds.) was double-covered last week, leaving extra space for the more heralded Humes—the earlier focus of opposing defenses. Panthers QB Christian Vose took it to Roberson last week when the Rams concentrated their early efforts on brawny tailback Josh Young. Something’s gotta’ give. Warriors, 24-21
Who can forget last fall’s upset-of-the-year: Mitchell 24, Owen 7. Owen (3-2, 0-1) took a measure of revenge in the ’06 playoffs with a tight November win at home, but Mitchell (3-2, 0-0) proved once more that it could compete with the WHC juggernaut. The Mountaineers are on the road again after scoring a whopping 72 against Cloudland (TN), an unknown squad whose only previous loss was to Avery County (35-14), which humbled the Warhorses last week. Owen is vulnerable to the pass and may not be able to handle Joe Hoilman, but Ken Ford teams fight through adversity like no other. Mitchell has added to its arsenal in recent weeks, making the job harder. An early break for either team could snowball in any direction. Warhorses in a twist, 28-24
Enka (2-4, 0-1) has unleashed a torrent of offense lately but supplies little defense. That won’t work against Asheville High (3-1, 0-0), which is coming on strong and spreading the wealth. Working in the Jets favor is the Cougars’ schedule — next up for Asheville is a home clash with Roberson. No peeking ahead for the Cougars, 35-21.
After a difficult last two games, up-and-down Tuscola (2-3) hopes to return to form in a final non-conference tilt. Coming to Waynesville this week is close neighbor Smoky Mountain (4-1), an eager and unfriendly foe with one win already over a MAC opponent. Friday’s outcome could determine the direction of each club from here on. The Mustangs are a team on the move, and also give the Mountaineers a different look to prepare for. After facing two versions of the Spread this season, the WHC visitors appear to be ready barring any changes to Tuscola’s attack. Mustangs, 21-17
One of the most exciting mountain teams in ’07 is rushing Robbinsville (4-2, 1-0). Coming on strong since late August is hard-attacking Andrews (2-3, 0-0). All told, you have two of the most improved squads (3 total wins in ’06) from western North Carolina going head-to-head. Keeping pace with the Murphy/Cherokee winner in the SMC race are the Black Knights, 38-28.
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