Im going bold opening week, and say that Avery and Madison get off on the right foot.
Madison showed flashes of potential last season, and return quite a few on both sides of the ball. They will be young on the line however, so there will be a learning curve.
Avery too, will have some growing pains, after abandoning the spread the last 4 seasons, New coach Ethan Farmer will be lining up in a modified Wing-T from what I'm told. Much better suited for the athletes they have.
Draughn returns almost everybody, and looks to be a solid 2nd place team. They could even challenge Mitchell for top spot. Vs TJ is an interesting matchup. While I think Draughn will have the better players, Coach Cash will pull out all the stops.
Mitchell, having returned near everybody from a state championship appearance, looks to be the clear front-runner, not only in conference, but the west 1a.
Heritage did not look good in their scrimmage, and they are very young this year. Lots of growing pains on the line should be expected, but with good qb play, they could make a rumble later in the season.
Rosman will likely dwell in the basement again this year.
Owen should be improved over the last couple seasons, but a new coach and new faces, who knows? I see them and Madison fighting for 4th place at years end.
Avery 20
Cherryville 14
Draughn 35
Thomas Jefferson 33
Tuscola 20
Madison 22
Mitchell 35
Erwin 7
Chase 42
Mountain Heritage 14
East Henderson 35
Rosman 7
Owen- BYE