The 2026 Western North Carolina high school football season is heading into Week 9.
Staff writer Zachary Huber (49-15) of the Times-News predicts the top eight games this week.
Game of the Week
No. 4 Enka (7-0) at No. 6 Roberson (5-2)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 16
Roberson boasts one of the top offenses in WNC, averaging 43 points per game. The Rams are led by quarterback Karod Harris and wide receiver Tristan Thompson-Wynn. Harris has completed 70% of his passes for 1,413 yards and 22 touchdowns with seven interceptions and ran for 563 yards and five touchdowns on 65 carries. Thompson-Wynn has caught 30 passes for 634 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Enka defense has given up 29 points or more. They have also not faced a passing game that is talented as Roberson's this season.
Huber's prediction: Roberson 42, Enka
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Mountain Heritage (5-2) at No. 10 Mitchell (5-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16
Mitchell has allowed 13 points per game this season, only allowing 20 points or more twice. Those came in a 20-7 loss to Hendersonville in Week 5 and a 27-18 defeat to Charlotte Latin in Week 1. The Mountaineers specialize in stopping the run, recording 37 tackles for a loss with defensive lineman Tate Pitman leading the way with 11 this season.
Mountain Heritage running back Ervine Rodriguez has rushed for 137 yards or more in three straight games. The Cougars could pull off the upset if he can extend that streak to four.
Huber's prediction: Mitchell 27, Mountain Heritage 20
No. 3 Asheville High (6-1) at Erwin (3-4)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 16
Enka gashed Erwin on the ground to the tune of 445 yards and six touchdowns on 62 carries in a 38-29 Warriors loss last week. That bodes well for Asheville High running back Clement Davidson who has run for 881 yards and 10 touchdowns on 114 carries this season.
Huber's prediction: Asheville High 38, Erwin 17
North Buncombe (4-3) at Reynolds (2-5)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 16
A pair of freshmen running backs for Reynolds helped it pull off the 22-14 upset against Erwin on Oct. 2. Jeremiah Wise and Ju Harper combined for 214 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries in the victory. They help the Rockets win their third game of the season against North Buncombe who has allowed 36 points per game.
Huber's prediction: Reynolds 34, North Buncombe 14
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga.) (3-4) at Christ School (6-1)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 16
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee's 2026 record is misleading. Three of its four losses have come against teams like Providence Day, Baylor (Tenn.) and Brownsburg (Ind.) and one win against Christian Brothers College (Mo.) who are all ranked top five in their state
Christ School under second-year coach Clint Alexander has taken massive strides this season, clinching its first winning season for the first time since 2020. But the Greenies come up short against a talented Eagles team this week.
Huber's prediction: Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga.) 42, Christ School 21
Swain County (2-5) at Cherokee (4-3)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16
Running back Kingston Welch has guided the Braves to a strong season in their first year under TC Guyer. He has run for 1,215 yards and 19 touchdowns on 14 carries. His total rushing yards rank 19th best in North Carolina. He will be too much for Swain County who is allowing 29 points per game this season.
Huber's prediction: Cherokee 41, Swain County 21
Owen (4-4) at Madison (1-7)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16
Quarterback Emmett Minks and running back Stephen Anderson help Owen get back above .500 after two straight losses to No. 2 Hendersonville and No. 10 Mitchell against Madison this week.
Huber's prediction: Owen 35, Madison 7
West Henderson (3-4) at Brevard (1-6)
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16
Running backs Isaiah Cash and wide receiver Austin Morgan have combined for 918 yards and nine touchdowns on 143 carries for West Henderson this season. They help the Falcons defeat Brevard to snap their two-game losing streak.
Huber's prediction: West Henderson 37, Brevard 13
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 Enka at Roberson? Predicting Week 9 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.
