Week 10 means there are only two weeks left in the 2026 Western North Carolina high school football season.
Staff writer Zachary Huber (56-16) of the Times-News predicts the top eight games this week.
Game of the Week
No. 1 Franklin (8-0) at No. 8 Smoky Mountain (7-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 23
Franklin quarterback Anderson Terrell has been much improved this season. Terrell has completed 67% of his passes for 880 yards and 11 touchdowns with two interceptions. Cooper is 27-of-37 passing for 605 yards and eight touchdowns with an interception. He is a potential X-factor who could help Franklin defeat Smoky Mountain in the Battle of Cowee Mountain.
Huber's prediction: Franklin 35, Smoky Mountain 14
No. 2 Hendersonville (8-0) at No. 10 Mountain Heritage (6-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 23
Hendersonville quarterback JaRon Ward has been on a heater over his last five games. He has thrown
18 touchdowns with no interceptions. Mountain Heritage has only allowed 10 points per game during its six-game winning streak. But it hasn't played a quarterback like Ward this season.
Huber's prediction: Hendersonville 38, Mountain Heritage 21
Watch on NFHS: Hendersonville at Mountain Heritage
Reynolds (3-5) at No. 7 Enka (7-1)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 23
Enka struggled to run the ball in its first loss of the season to Roberson. But Jets running back Tommy McKinney has been impressive this season, running for 765 yards and 16 touchdowns on 81 carries. He helps Enka get back in the win column.
Huber's prediction: Enka 24, Reynolds 17
Erwin (3-5) at No. 4 Roberson (6-2)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 23
Wide receiver Tristan Thompson-Wynn has led Roberson to commanding victories against North Buncombe and Enka the past two weeks. He has caught nine passes for 255 yards and five touchdowns in those wins. Against Erwin, he extends his streak of multi-touchdown games to three.
Huber's prediction: Roberson 41, Erwin 14
Watch on NFHS: Erwin at Roberson
No. 3 Asheville High (7-1) at North Buncombe (4-4)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 23
During Asheville High's five-game winning streak, quarterback Tay Williams has thrown for 12 touchdowns with three interceptions. North Buncombe running back Kyngston Denson has had an impressive season, running for 1,146 yards and 14 touchdowns on 137 carries. But he and the Black Hawks come up short against Asheville High.
Huber's prediction: Asheville High 45, North Buncombe 21
North Henderson (2-6) at West Henderson (4-4)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 23
Linebacker Brody Lawing has recorded 81 tackles with six for a loss to help West Henderson hold opponents to 12 points per game in its four wins this season. He will be critical as the Falcons attempt to contain North Henderson running back Parker Willis who has run for 100 yards or more in his last four games.
Huber's prediction: West Henderson 35, North Henderson 21
Polk County (2-6) at Avery County (3-5)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 23
Polk County running back Styler Blackwell has run for 952 yards and 15 touchdowns on 116 carries. He has four 100-yard rushing games. On Oct. 9, he had 218 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries in a 48-9 win vs. Madison. He helps the Wolverines win their second straight game this week against Avery County.
Huber's prediction: Polk County 48, Avery County 34
Watch on NFHS: Polk County at Avery County
Rosman (4-5) at Swain County (2-6)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 23
Rosman running backs Brayan Reynaldo and Braelon Owen have combined for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns on 162 carries this season. They power the Tigers to a win against Swain County.
Huber's prediction: Rosman 34, Swain County 21
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 Franklin at Smoky Mountain? Predicting Week 10 WNC football games
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
