The Western North Carolina high school football hierarchy is still straightening itself out.
Only two teams in the top 10 lost in Week 2, both against top talent from out of state, leading to much less movement in this week's rankings. Mountain Heritage took care of a ranked opponent, and Mountain 7 teams like Smoky Mountain and Franklin are announcing their presence.
Here's how the top 10 shakes out in this week's WNC football power rankings.
1. Mountain Heritage (2-0)
The Cougars downed one of their biggest threats of the regular season, defeating then-No. 10 Erwin 32-27 thanks to 318 yards total offense from quarterback Brandon Quinn and a late turnover on defense. Linebacker Malachi Huskins had 15 tackles to help Mountain Heritage start hot.
Last week: No. 2. This week: at Robbinsville (0-2)
2. Brevard (1-1)
Even though the Blue Devils were dealt a loss in Week 2, the defeat still made a strong impression since it came against one of the better football programs in Tennessee, Knoxville Catholic, by a score of 19-14. The Brevard defense was strong:. Defensive back Arion Young intercepted a pass and three other defenders forced a fumble.
Last week: No. 1. This week: vs. Erwin (1-1)
3. Reynolds (1-1)
Although it took until Saturday to complete the victory because of rain, Reynolds answered questions about its offense in a 51-21 dismantling of Shelby. Quarterback Ely Hamrick powered the offense with 286 passing yards, two touchdowns and 66 rushing yards, while receiver Cavalli Montgomery had 182 receiving yards.
Last week: No. 3. This week: vs. East Forsyth (2-0)
4. Asheville High (1-0)
The Cougars' matchup with Providence Day was rained out in Week 2. The hope for Asheville is it can get quarterback Meek Slydell healthy before playing Lake Norman, as he was not expected to play against the Chargers.
Last week: No. 4. This week: at Lake Norman (1-1)
5. Franklin (2-0)
The Panthers continue to soar up the power rankings. Braydon Hervey continues to stand out. The 6-foot, 210-pound running back rushed for 134 yards with three touchdowns on 21 carries while catching three passes for 63 yards and a touchdown in a 30-7 win vs. Robbinsville. He also intercepted a pass on defense.
Last week: No. 7. This week: vs. Swain County (0-2)
6. West Henderson (2-0)
The Falcons didn't play anywhere near their ceiling last week vs. Hendersonville. They committed four turnovers and way too many penalties. However, running back Zane McCraw dominated for a second straight week, rushing for 185 yards with three touchdowns on 23 carries.
Last week: No. 5. This week: vs. Murphy
7. Asheville School (2-0)
The Blues have outscored their two opponents 91-7 after a 42-0 win over Christ Church Episcopal (S.C.) on Friday. The defense has been a force. Asheville School has three interceptions, linebacker Ryerson Gilewicz is already up to 30 tackles and lineman Xander Prosper has picked up three sacks.
Last week: No. 8. This week: Off.
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8. Pisgah
The Bears rediscovered their potent offense that was on display during the preseason, scoring 49 points against Enka. Quarterback Aaron Clark completed 90% of his passes for 164 yards and also rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Jake Lowery caught four passes for 121 yards.
Last week: No. 9. This week: at Hampton (Tenn.) (0-2)
9. Christ School (1-1)
Christ School's chance to make a splash in conference fizzled out in a 61-6 loss to Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga.). Quarterback Mason Holtzclaw threw for 103 yards and three interceptions. Defensive tackle Exzavier Burns had three tackles for loss.
Last week: No. 6. This week: at A.C. Flora (S.C.)
10. Smoky Mountain
Running back Ayden Johnson has emerged as one of the best running backs in Western North Carolina. Johnson rushed for 154 yards and a touchdown against Swain County after running for 283 yards and four touchdowns vs. Cherokee in Week 1.
Last week: Unranked. This week: at Roberson (1-1)
Evan Gerike is the high school sports reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Email him at egerike@citizentimes.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @EvanGerike. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
Zachary Huber is a high school sports reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times and Hendersonville Times-News. Email him at zhuber@gannett.com or follow him on X @zacharyahuber. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times and Times-News.
