There is one top-10 matchup this week in Western North Carolina high school football between Cherokee and Tuscola, as well as one marquee rivalry game between Hendersonville and West Henderson.
Staff writer Zachary Huber (5-3) of the Times-News makes predictions for the top eight games in Week 2.
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Game of the Week
No. 2 Hendersonville (1-0) at West Henderson (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Hendersonville snapped a three-game losing streak to rival West Henderson with a 39-7 victory last season.
It will be difficult for West Henderson to pull off the upset, with Hendersonville arguably having the top skill-position players in WNC: quarterback JaRon Ward, running back Jordan
Buford and wide receivers Jaylon Wynn and Kealen Jakushev.
One potential avenue for West Henderson is to dominate time of possession and keep the ball away from Hendersonville's explosive offense. The Falcons have an elusive quarterback in Blake Garrett, who can generate first downs with his legs, and a strong offensive line that could help them control the clock.
Huber's prediction: Hendersonville 35, West Henderson 21
Watch on NFHS: Hendersonville at West Henderson
No. 10 Cherokee (1-0) at No. 6 Tuscola (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m.
The Tuscola defense shut out a run-oriented Robbinsville 23-0 in Week 1. The Braves are coming off a 66-60 double-overtime victory over North Buncombe where running back Kingston Welch ran for 208 yards and six touchdowns on 27 carries.
The Mountaineers should be able to hold Welch in check with their experienced group on defense led by linebacker Ty Walker, who had eight tackles with one for a loss in the opener.
Huber's prediction: Tuscola 28, Cherokee 21
Watauga (0-0) at No. 1 Roberson (1-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Roberson has a tall task when Watauga, the reigning 6A state champions, come to Asheville. The Pioneers graduated several top contributors from last season's state championship team but are still expected to make another deep playoff run.
They are led by running backs Coy Greer and Eli Reed, who combined for 319 yards and four touchdowns on 32 carries in a 55-13 win over Ashe County in Week 1.
The Rams should keep this game closer than last season's 42-0 defeat, thanks to quarterback Karod Harris and wide receiver Tristan Thompson-Wynn.
Huber's prediction: Watauga 38, Roberson 28
Watch on NFHS: Watauga at Roberson
Robbinsville (0-1) at No. 4 Franklin (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Franklin stifled Murphy in a 42-7 win in Week 1, thanks to another strong performance from its front seven led by defensive lineman Daiveon Hall and linebacker Paxton Sutton. That defense should have another favorable matchup against Robbinsville, which couldn't find the end zone against Tuscola. That should be enough to ensure that the Panthers christen the new version of the Pit with a victory.
Huber's prediction: Franklin 49, Robbinsville 6
Dobyns-Bennett (Tennessee) (0-1) at No. 3 Asheville High (1-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Asheville High poured in 53 points in its season-opening victory against East Rutherford in Week 1. Quarterback Tay Williams threw for 210 yards and four touchdowns while running back Clement Davidson rushed for 136 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries.
The Cougars ride that momentum on offense to avenge a 21-7 loss to Dobyns-Bennett a year ago.
Huber's prediction: Asheville High 31, Dobyns-Bennett 17
Watch on NFHS: Dobyns-Bennett at Asheville High
Erwin (0-1) at Mountain Heritage (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Mountain Heritage quarterback Brayden Deyton is one of the top run-first quarterbacks in WNC. He ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries in a 48-30 loss vs. Pisgah in Week 1.
Erwin struggled to contain West Henderson quarterback Blake Garrett, who plays similarly to Deyton, in a 34-21 loss to the Falcons. Deyton should help the Cougars earn their first win of the season.
Huber's prediction: Mountain Heritage 42, Erwin 14
Watch on NFHS: Erwin at Mountain Heritage
Madison (1-0) at East Henderson (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Madison's defense created four turnovers in a 21-0 win vs. Andrews in Week 1, which helped an inexperienced offense find its footing. The defense should be able to dominate East Henderson.
Huber's prediction: Madison 28, East Henderson 7
Watch on NFHS: Madison at East Henderson
Hayesville (0-1) at Enka (1-0)
When: 7 p.m.
The Jim Beatty era at Enka got off to a good start with a 28-14 win over North Henderson, his former school. The Jets ran the ball effectively and held the Knights to 90 rushing yards on 24 carries. That gives Enka a recipe for success against Hayesville.
Huber's prediction: Enka 27, Hayesville 15
Watch on NFHS: Hayesville at Enka
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.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Hendersonville vs West Henderson highlights Week 2 top games for WNC football
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