Week 1 of the 2026 Western North Carolina high school football season is finished, with one exception. Brevard is traveling to face Reynolds on Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. after inclement weather pushed the game back.
Franklin dominated Murphy 42-7 in our only top five matchup last week. This week, there is one top-10 matchup.
Here are our first Super 10 Western North Carolina high school football rankings of the 2026 season.
Stream North Carolina HS football games live on NFHS Network
1. Roberson (1-0)
The Rams used a 28-point second quarter to defeat Huss 48-12 in Week 1.
They will host Watauga, the reigning NCHSAA 6A state champions.
This week: vs Watauga (1-0). Last week: No. 1
2. Hendersonville (1-0)
Running back Jordan Buford ran for two touchdowns to help the Bearcats defeat East Henderson 48-0.
This week: at West Henderson (1-0). Last week: No. 2
3. Asheville High (1-0)
Running back Clement Davidson ran for 136 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries in Asheville High's 53-22 win vs. East Rutherford. Quarterback Tay Williams was also impressive, completing 12 of 17 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns with an interception.
This week: vs. Dobyns-Bennett (Tenn.) (0-1). Last week: No. 3.
4. Franklin (1-0)
The Panthers showed out on both sides of the ball, even without star running back/linebacker Garrett Young. Quarterback Anderson Terrell threw for 136 yards and two touchdowns with one interception while completing eight of 14 passes. Wide receiver Gabe Harrison hauled in six passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
This week: vs. Robbinsville (0-1). Last week: No. 4.
5. Christ School (1-0)
The Greenies used a 42-point first half to secure a 48-16 win vs. the Carolina Mavericks in the opening week of the 2026 season.
This week: at East Rutherford (0-1). Last week: No. 7.
6. Tuscola (1-0)
Tuscola blanked Robbinsville 23-0 in the opening week of the season. Linebacker Ty Walker paced the Mountaineers' defense with eight tackles and one for a loss.
This week: vs. No. 10 Cherokee (1-0). Last week: No. 8.
7. Murphy (0-1)
The Bulldogs fell to No. 4 Franklin without star running back Cameron Clem, who missed the season opener after tweaking his hamstring. His availability will be much-needed against East Surry this week.
This week: at East Surry (0-1). Last week: No. 5.
8. Smoky Mountain (1-0)
Running backs Rylee Smith and Aidan Foxworth combined to run for 263 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries in a 42-6 win vs. Swain County last week.
This week: at Andrews (0-1). Last week: No. 9.
9. Pisgah (1-0)
The Bears overcame a double-digit deficit to defeat Mountain Heritage 48-30. Running backs Easton Frady and Zaiden Monteith ran for five touchdowns in the win.
This week: at Swain County (0-1). Last week: No. 16.
10. Cherokee (1-0)
The Braves used a six-touchdown performance from running back Kingston Welch to defeat North Buncombe 66-60 in double overtime. Welch also scored the game-winning touchdown.
This week: at No. 6 Tuscola (1-0). Last week: No. 12.
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 Cherokee, Pisgah join Super 10 WNC Football rankings entering Week 2 of season
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.
