Smoky Mountain will open the Mountain Athletic
Conference portion of its football season Friday with a 7:30
p.m. game at defending league champion Asheville.
The Cougars have lost only one MAC game since the conference
went to its current alignment in 2001.
"It's a typical Asheville team," SM Coach Tim Hawkins
said. "They're fast, and they handle the ball very well.
They scare you when they get outside."
Quarterback Michael Byrd directs the I and pro set offense for
Coach Danny Wilkins. Crezdon Butler is a speedster at tailback,
and Johnny White is a tough runner, Hawkins said. He said Elijah
Harrison is the top receiver.
"Byrd is a threat every time he touches it," Hawkins
said. "Butler can go the distance anytime he has it."
The Cougars use a 4-4 defense. Hawkins has been impressed with
nose guard Marcus England.
"Defensively, I'm impressed with the way they throw their
bodies around," the coach said.
He said keys to the game will be keeping Asheville from getting
to the corners on offense and winning the special teams battle.
Hawkins said T.J. Bradley is questionable with a knee injury.
The Cougars opened the season by edging defending state 4-A
champion Reynolds 31-24 on a trick play as time expired. They
blasted 1-A power East Surry 49-14 Friday.
Asheville owns a 4-2 edge in the series with the Mustangs and
has won the last four meetings. The Cougars took a 21-17 victory
last year.
SM outlasted Hayesville 39-30 Friday to even its mark at 1-1.
"I was real pleased with the win," Hawkins said. "They're
a good football team, especially in the skill positions."
David Kelley gained 147 yards and scored three touchdowns.
"David Kelley was outstanding running the football,"
the coach said. "Our offensive line blocked well for him.
Travis Stephens had a big blocked punt that helped turn the
game around."
Hawkins singled out John Raby for his blocking on the line.
Ben Robinson sealed the win by returning an interception for
a touchdown in the final minute. He also had a fumble recovery.
"Ben played well the whole game blocking and tackling,"
the coach said.
He noted the punting game was better this week. Although Zack
West only had to kick twice, he averaged 45.5 yards.
James Bryson was SM's leading tackler with eight, and Robinson
followed with seven.
Hayesville piled up 426 yards of total offense, and Hawkins
knows the Mustangs must improve those numbers.
"We've got to get better defensively," he said. "We've
got to be more consistent and play our reads and our assignments."
