We are only 11 days from the start of the 2026 season and scrimmages are already underway. After dominating the conference last season, Watauga must reload their top QB, RB, and WR positions. Freedom also replaces some key pieces including their QB. St Stephens is the dark horse to win it this year with a great young RB and lots of returning layers from a solid season that included their first playoff win in decades. Alexander Central returns quite a few players and could challenge for the top 3. McDowell and South Caldwell will likely be near the bottom of the conference again.
Predicted order of finish
1. Watauga
2. St Stephens
3. Freedom
4. Alexander Central
5. McDowell
6. South Caldwell
Week 1
Alexander Central @ Newton Conover
Last season was disappointing for AC and they lost 42-21 in week 1 to NC. I expect this years game to be closer but Newton Conover is the favorite at home.
Newton Conover 34
Alexander Central 21
Freedom @ Patton
This game has been a huge mismatch recently and this years game should be a fairly easy win for Freedom. It will be a good chance for more reps for Freedom's QB and skill players.
Freedom 48
Patton 14
McDowell @ RS Central
The Titans have to replace their gunslinger QB and both RBs from last season. Top WR Jayron Moore moves to QB and is a dual threat. McDowell must improve up front and on defense in general to compete with the better teams on their schedule. RS Central should be solid and is likely to finish in the top 3 of their conference. I expect another close game between these 2 but RS pulls it out at home.
RS Central 34
McDowell 28
Bandys @ St Stephens
This could be the best game involving conference teams of the week. Bandys can really score points and Saint will be tough defensively and have a stout running game. Bandys has owned this rivalry recently but this year is a toss up.
Bandys 35
St Stephens 33
Ben L. Smith @ South Caldwell
South Caldwell had a tough season and will look to turn things around with a new HC. I don't know a lot about Ben. L Smith but they struggled in a good conference and have played a lot of good teams.
Ben L. Smith 35
South Caldwell 20
Watauga @ Ashe County
Watauga almost always reloads instead of rebuilds under Coach Habich and I expect them to still be solid this year. This is a good game to open the season with. Ashe will likely struggle this year and Watauga gets an easy opening win before some tough games ahead.
Watauga 41
Ashe 7
Predicted order of finish
1. Watauga
2. St Stephens
3. Freedom
4. Alexander Central
5. McDowell
6. South Caldwell
Week 1
Alexander Central @ Newton Conover
Last season was disappointing for AC and they lost 42-21 in week 1 to NC. I expect this years game to be closer but Newton Conover is the favorite at home.
Newton Conover 34
Alexander Central 21
Freedom @ Patton
This game has been a huge mismatch recently and this years game should be a fairly easy win for Freedom. It will be a good chance for more reps for Freedom's QB and skill players.
Freedom 48
Patton 14
McDowell @ RS Central
The Titans have to replace their gunslinger QB and both RBs from last season. Top WR Jayron Moore moves to QB and is a dual threat. McDowell must improve up front and on defense in general to compete with the better teams on their schedule. RS Central should be solid and is likely to finish in the top 3 of their conference. I expect another close game between these 2 but RS pulls it out at home.
RS Central 34
McDowell 28
Bandys @ St Stephens
This could be the best game involving conference teams of the week. Bandys can really score points and Saint will be tough defensively and have a stout running game. Bandys has owned this rivalry recently but this year is a toss up.
Bandys 35
St Stephens 33
Ben L. Smith @ South Caldwell
South Caldwell had a tough season and will look to turn things around with a new HC. I don't know a lot about Ben. L Smith but they struggled in a good conference and have played a lot of good teams.
Ben L. Smith 35
South Caldwell 20
Watauga @ Ashe County
Watauga almost always reloads instead of rebuilds under Coach Habich and I expect them to still be solid this year. This is a good game to open the season with. Ashe will likely struggle this year and Watauga gets an easy opening win before some tough games ahead.
Watauga 41
Ashe 7
