North Carolina high school football is getting closer and closer.
The Asheville Citizen Times and Hendersonville Times-News are previewing the conferences in Western North Carolina. Here's what to watch out for in the Smoky Mountain Conference in the 2024 NCHSAA season.
Three bold predictions for 2024
Murphy returns to the top of the conference – and the 1A West Region final
Despite running back Hunter Stalcup graduating , Murphy has the talent to win the conference. Sophomore Cameron Clem proved his worth as Stalcup's backup last season. Brady Grant, a 1,000-yard passer as a sophomore, returns and the Bulldogs return their three leading tacklers on defense. The SMC has produced a West Region finalist every season but one since 2010.
No Smoky Mountain running back reaches 1,700 yards
While not a bold prediction in most conferences, this is the Smoky Mountain Conference. Since 2016, the conference has had at least one running back reach 1,700 yards in every full season. With Cuttler Adams and Stalcup, both multiple-time 2,000-yard rushers, graduated, it seems like the conference will take a dip in rushing production.
Robbinsville struggles to reach nine wins for first time since 2016
Robbinsville has been dominant during the past decade, winning two state titles, appearing in another championship game in 2015 and reaching four 1A West Regional finals since 2019. But the Black Knights have holes to fill with Cuttler Adams, Chase Calhoun and Koleson Dooley all graduating. Head coach Dee Walsh has proved Robbinsville can reload in the past, but this season may be closer to the 4-7 2016 team than last year's.
10 key players to watch
Bryce Adams
Robbinsville | 6-4, 185 | LB | Sr.
On top of being one of the best returning linebackers in WNC, Adams is likely to return to quarterback for the Black Knights. He had 105 tackles a season ago and threw for 581 yards as a sophomore in 2022.
Camden Breazeale
Murphy | 6-3, 186 | DL | Jr.
Breazeale was Murphy's leading tackler as a sophomore, tallying 108 tackles in just 10 games. His eight sacks, seven tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries were all team bests.
Cameron Clem
Murphy | 6-0, 175 | RB | So.
Clem was promising as a freshman, rushing for 940 yards on 111 carries as a backup. He'll be the main piece in Murphy's offense as a sophomore.
Tre Graves
Hayesville | 5-9, 161 | RB | Jr.
After sharing carries with Taylor McClure a season ago and rushing for 826 yards with 11 touchdowns, Graves takes over as the leading rusher. He also recorded 55 tackles and two interceptions at safety.
Kadence Leatherwood
Murphy | 5-9, 180 | LB | Sr.
Leatherwood was third on the team with 81 tackles and is returning as part of a trio of leading tacklers for the Bulldogs. He had six tackles for loss and three sacks.
Darion Ledbetter
Robbinsville | 6-1, 180 | WR | Sr.
With plenty of question marks on offense, Ledbetter is the leading returner in offensive production for the Black Knights. He had 35 receptions for 586 yards a season ago.
Brody Orton
Murphy | 6-1, 200 | LB | Jr.
Orton tallied 105 tackles last season, including six tackles for loss and three sacks. Orton is part of Murphy's deep group of returning defensive talent.
Ryan Payne
Murphy | 6-0, 165 | WR/DB | Jr.
Payne was effective on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs. He had 15 catches for 254 yards and four touchdowns on offense. On defense, he had five interceptions and 44 tackles.
Luke Smith
Cherokee | 6-2, 215 | DE | Sr.
Smith recorded 11 tackles for loss and four sacks as a junior, finishing second on the team with 65 total tackles.
Nse Uffort
Swain County | 6-1, 229 | OL/DL | Sr.
Uffort was a first-team All-WNC selection last season after recording 22 pancake blocks and helping the Maroon Devils rush for 3,500 yards. He also recorded 61 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss on defense.
Five can't-miss games
Murphy at West Henderson, Sept. 6
Even for a team like Murphy that consistently competes with larger schools, this will be a monumental task. The Falcons are stacked with talent, but Murphy won't be a pushover win.
Mountain Heritage at Robbinsville, Sept. 6
Robbinsville will get an early season test against one of WNC's best 1A schools. While Mountain Heritage is returning plenty of talent, the Black Knights are reloading and will be tested against the Cougars.
Murphy at Robbinsville, Oct. 11
This matchup brought plenty of drama last year, with the Black Knights winning on a tipped pass at the last second. This season, it may decide the conference champion.
Hayesville at Swain County, Oct. 11
Both schools are looking to re-establish their footing in the Smoky Mountain Conference. The Maroon Devils won 21-13 last season but are rebuilding much of the roster in the hopes of maintaining last season's success.
Robbinsville at Swain County, Nov. 1
After squaring off in two thrillers at Big Oaks last season, the matchup heads to Bryson City to close the regular season. The game could have major postseason implications.
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.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC high school football 2024: Smoky Mountain Conference bold predictions, top players and games
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