My takeaways from game 1
Mitchell had some rust, but definitely looked the part last night. The line played great, on both sides of the ball. O line kept pressure off Turbyfill, and made holes for the backs, and the D line kept pressure on the qb all night, and would've had more than 2 sacks, if not for the no-call holding all night. Mitchell has a stable of backs this year. We should see 2 1500 yard rushers, and maybe 3 or 4 1000 yards rushers. #13 and #26 are a deadly duo on the ground, and #22, while just a junior, is good for 5 yards a carry. All very hard runners. The receiving core needs some work, but they ran their routes good, and Erwin played excellent pass coverage. That will likely be the fastest backfield Mitchell will see before a state championship appearance.
Erwin looked to be much improved from the last few years, although the scoreboard didn't indicate it. They had very good skills players, great speed downfield, and 2 hard nosed shifty rb's. QB play was pretty good too, although he seemed to fold under pressure. If their line play improves, then they could absolutely compete with Asheville or Reynolds for 1st or 2nd place. But, without the line improvement, they are solid 3rd.
All in all, it was a good road victory to open the season. Watauga in 2 weeks will be the big test for the Mountaineers. The Pioneers looked STRONG last night. But first, McDowell, who got a nice win in a barnburner last night, and will undoubtedly be looking to snap an 8 game losing streak to their little cousins up the mountain.