Here are the top WNC football conference games for the 2024 NCHSAA season

From marquee rivalries to potential conference-deciding matchups, the Citizen Times is looking at must-watch games during this season.

Here are 10 conference matchups worth catching this season.

10. Enka at Erwin

The Patton Avenue Rivalry hasn't been contested much recently, with Erwin extending its win streak to 16 games last season. While it's not likely that this is the year Enka snaps the streak, the rivalry has renewed energy over the last few years.

Last season: Erwin, 49-16

9. Brevard at Hendersonville

When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25

Brevard is expected to run away with the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference thanks to its wealth of returning talent, but this late-season matchup with the Bearcats – a team returning several key pieces of its own – could be one final test.

Last season: Brevard, 24-0

8. Pisgah at Smoky Mountain

When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20

Pisgah opens up the Mountain 7 Conference schedule on the road against a team that challenged it last season. The game will be new Pisgah coach Ricky Brindley's first time playing the school he coached at the past six seasons.

Last season: Pisgah, 16-7

7. Roberson at Asheville

When: 7 p.m., Oct. 11

The Rams dominated this matchup a year ago, holding Asheville quarterback Meek Slydell to 54 passing yards. With the Cougars returning most of its starters this season, it could be another evenly matched contest with serious 4A playoff implications.

Last season: Roberson, 41-13

6. Robbinsville at Swain County

When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 1

Swain County lost two thrilling games at Robbinsville last season, including a matchup in the third round of the 1A playoffs. Both teams will have the task of replacing star running backs while retaining offensive line talent. The regular-season finale also may have playoff implications.

Last season: Robbinsville, 30-24

5. Mountain Heritage at Mitchell

When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18

Mountain Heritage enters 2024 as one of WNC's best teams and looks like it could make a run at a state championship. Mitchell likely has the best chance of stopping Mountain Heritage's stampede towards another conference title, and the rivalry contest has delivered in recent years.

Last season: Mountain Heritage, 28-14

BOLD PREDICTIONS:WNC high school football 2024: Western Highlands bold predictions, top players and games

4. Tuscola at Pisgah

When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18

No list of games to circle is complete without the Haywood County Clash. One of WNC's most heated rivalries, the Mountaineers and Bears always pack the stadium and raise lots of money in the annual raffle. Tuscola snatched an upset at home last season, so Pisgah looks to return the favor under Brindley.

Last season: Tuscola, 27-10

3. Murphy at Robbinsville

When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 11

Murphy and Robbinsville have both been at the top of the conference for years, with 10 combined state championship appearances since 2001. Last season, the matchup featured a Bulldogs comeback attempt that fell inches short. This October faceoff will likely decide the Smoky Mountain Conference.

Last season: Robbinsville, 26-21

2. Asheville High at Reynolds

When: 7 p.m., Oct. 4

Both Reynolds and Asheville are returning key players from last season, marking this game as a potential conference decider. The Cougars floundered against top conference competition last year but have the talent to compete for a title, while the Rockets are the early favorites.

Last season: Reynolds, 28-14

1. West Henderson at Pisgah

When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 11

After finishing first and second in the conference last season, West Henderson and Pisgah will likely be facing off for a conference title in October. The Falcons return a lot of talent from last year's 13-1 team but graduated key seniors as well, while the Bears are looking to improve on a 9-3 season under Brindley.

Last season: West Henderson, 30-10

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.