There are only three weeks left in the 2026 Western North Carolina high school football season.
Here are our Super 10 WNC high school football rankings ahead of Week 9.
1. Franklin (8-0, 5-0 Mountain Eight Conference)
The Panthers take over the top spot after picking up a dominant 45-7 victory against North Henderson. They have defeated opponents by an average of 26 points this season. Their closest victory came during Week 7 in a 42-33 win vs. Tuscola.
This week: Open. Last week: No. 2.
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2. Hendersonville (7-0, 3-0 Western Highlands Conference)
Wide receiver Gianni Thompson caught three passes for 99 yards and a touchdown to help Hendersonville defeat Owen 56-24 on Oct. 9.
This week: vs. Avery County (3-4). Last week: No. 1.
3. Asheville High (6-1, 2-0 Mountain Athletic Conference)
There was no lull following an emotional 23-21 win vs. Roberson the previous
week. Quarterback Tay Williams completed 11 of 13 passes for 227 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Cougars to a 40-17 win vs. Reynolds.
This week: at Erwin (3-4). Last week: No. 3.
4. Enka (7-0, 2-0 Mountain Athletic Conference)
The Jets defeated archrival Erwin 38-29 for the first time since 2007 behind another strong rushing performance. Jose Chavez, CJ Dicus, Tommy McKinney and Jake Geolimatos helped Enka ran for 400 or more yards for a second consecutive week.
This week: at No. 6 Roberson (5-2). Last week: No. 4.
5. Tuscola (7-1, 4-1 Mountain Eight Conference)
The Mountaineers forced four turnovers to secure a 21-0 win vs. rival Pisgah for the first time since 2023. Defensive back Elijah Pruitt recorded an interception and forced a fumble on the opening kickoff for the second half.
This week: Open. Last week: No. 5.
6. Roberson (5-2, 1-1 Mountain Athletic Conference)
The Rams bounced back from a narrow 23-21 loss to No. 3 Asheville High in Week 7 with a resounding 52-7 win over North Buncombe last week.
This week: vs. No. 4 Enka (7-0). Last week: No. 6.
7. Asheville School (5-2)
Asheville School running back Shiloh Mukendi ran for 242 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. He led the Blues to a 35-13 victory over High Point Christian Academy who kept them from a fourth straight state championship last season with a 50-13 loss in the state title game.
This week: vs. Covenant Day (1-6). Last week: No. 7.
8. Christ School (6-1)
Wide receiver Dre Smith caught two touchdown passes of 28 and 33 yards to lead Christ School to a 35-21 win vs. Charlotte Christian. The Greenies are now guaranteed to have their first winning season since 2020 when they won the NCISAA Division II state championship.
This week: vs. Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (3-4). Last week: No. 8.
9. Smoky Mountain (7-1, 4-1 Mountain Eight Conference)
Running back Rylee Smith ran for 245 yards and four touchdowns on 27 carries in Smoky Mountain's 48-12 win vs. West Henderson. It was the third time this season that he has run for 200 yards or more.
This week: Open. Last week: No. 9.
10. Mitchell (5-2, 2-1 Western Highlands Conference)
Running back Owen Woody and quarterback Owen Riddle has led the Mountaineers to five wins in their last six games. They have combined for 778 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 130 carries.
This week: vs. Mountain Heritage (5-2). Last week: No. 10.
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: Why there is a new No. 1 in the WNC Super 10 Football Rankings for Week 9
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.
