The 2026 Western North Carolina high school football season is heading into Week 7.
Staff writer Zachary Huber (35-13) of the Times-News predicts the top eight games this week.
Game of the Week
No. 5 Asheville High (4-1) at No. 4 Roberson (4-1)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 2
Roberson running back Mookah Simpson is an under-the-radar player who could play a major role in the game's outcome. With the Rams' passing game and quarterback Karod Harris' dual-threat ability receiving much of the attention, Simpson has quietly rushed for 270 yards and five touchdowns on 44 carries.
The Asheville High defense has struggled to stop the run over its past two games. Watauga ran for 378 yards and three touchdowns on 55 carries in its loss to the Cougars on Sept. 25, while Asheville School running back Shiloh Mukendi gashed Asheville High for 260
yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries on Sept. 11.
Rams quarterback Karod Harris could also burn the Cougars defense with his legs. He has run for 399 yards and four touchdowns on 47 carries, in addition to the 16 touchdowns and 884 yards he has compiled through the air.
Huber's prediction: Roberson 41, Asheville High 35
Watch North Carolina football games live on NFHS Network
Watch on NFHS: Asheville High at Roberson
No. 3 Franklin (6-0) at No. 2 Tuscola (6-0)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2
Franklin running back Garrett Young and Tuscola running back Sam Trantham, two of WNC's top tailbacks, headline this week's matchup. Young has recorded 351 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Trantham has been impressive, running for 1,270 yards, which ranks third in the state, along with 19 touchdowns.
This game likely comes down to which team can stop the run better. Franklin has allowed only five points per game while Tuscola is giving up 12 points per game.
Huber's prediction: Franklin 35, Tuscola 34
No. 6 Enka (5-0) at North Buncombe (4-1)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 2
The Enka defense has stifled every top running back it's faced so far this season, including North Henderson's Parker Willis, Pisgah's Zaiden Monteith and Cherokee's Kingston Welch. It faces another of WNC's best backs this week in North Buncombe's Kyngston Denson, who has run for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns on 85 carries.
The Jets are led by linebacker Grady Allison, who is averaging seven tackles per game. If Allison and the Enka defense can slow Denson, Enka should remain undefeated.
Huber's prediction: Enka 35, North Buncombe 13
Owen (4-2) at Mitchell (4-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2
The Mitchell backfield of quarterback Owen Riddle and running back Owen Woody has been difficult for opposing defenses. Woody has run for 410 yards and six touchdowns. Riddle has rushed for 297 yards and five touchdowns and thrown for over 400 yards. Owen also has a talented backfield, led by running back Stephen Anderson and quarterback Emmett Minks.
Huber's prediction: Mitchell 34, Owen 20
West Henderson (3-2) at Pisgah (3-3)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2
Pisgah has displayed an effective rushing attack, led by tailbacks Zaiden Monteith and Easton Frady, at times this season. But the Bears have struggled to establish the run against top-10 opponents No. 3 Franklin and No. 9 Smoky Mountain. Monteith and Frady should have an opportunity to get back on track against the Falcons.
Huber's prediction: Pisgah 34, West Henderson 22
Reynolds (1-4) at No. 10 Erwin (3-2)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 2
Reynolds has struggled to put up points in 2026, averaging 9.8 per game. Reynolds has scored 17 points in two games this season, its highest scoring total: a 17-2 win over Brevard and a 21-17 loss to Murphy. It will be difficult for the Rockets to keep up with Erwin quarterback Caden Ingle and wide receiver Jackson Summey, who lead an offense averaging 33 points per game.
Huber's prediction: Erwin 31, Reynolds 14
Robbinsville (2-4) at Swain County (1-4)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2
Quarterback Cameron Allison has helped the Black Knights go on a two-game winning streak after starting the season 0-4. He has thrown for 242 yards and five touchdowns and ran for 99 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Allison should help Robbinsville extend its winning streak to three games vs. rival Swain County this week.
Huber's prediction: Robbinsville 35, Swain County 13
Mountain Heritage (3-2) at Polk County (1-5)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2
Mountain Heritage is another team peaking after a slow start to 2026. The Cougars have won their last three games, including a forfeit victory over Swain County. Running back Ervine Rodriguez has rushed for 235 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games against Robbinsville and Madison. He helps the Cougars extend their winning streak to four games against the Wolverines.
Huber's prediction: Mountain Heritage 41, Polk County 12
Watch on NFHS: Mountain Heritage at Polk County
Zachary Huber is a high school sports reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him at zhuber@gannett.com or follow him on X @zacharyahuber.
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This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Who wins between Asheville High vs Roberson? Predicting Week 7 WNC football games
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