From the Sports Desk

with Carey Phillips: 10/04/01

That means flip a coin between Asheville and Erwin for first place then draw the other seven teams out of a hat. After three weeks of league play, the MAC might be even more wide open than that as one team is undefeated and five have one loss.

The best bet for the MAC is North Buncombe will finish in the basement, but even that's not a sure thing. The Black Hawks are 0-3, but Enka is just a half game ahead at 0-2. That's the same Enka team that many expected to earn one of the conference's three playoff spots.

At the other end of the spectrum, Franklin has been the surprise team with a 3-0 record. The Panthers are the only team with an undefeated conference mark and own a key win over Asheville.

It will be a surprise if anybody goes through the league unbeaten. That means many teams might not know their playoff fate entering the final week of the regular season.

Franklin has adapted well to former college coach Fred Goldsmith. The Panthers have used a strong running game led by Marcus West and Josh Durm to establish themselves as a conference contender.

Erwin was upset by East Henderson and is one of three teams with 2-1 MAC records. The Warriors are undoubtedly missing Derrick Eddington, the outstanding running back who has transferred to Reynolds. Don't feel too bad for Coach Travis Noland. He still has Marcus White, who ironically transferred from Reynolds, and Jonathan Palmer to run the ball behind a massive offensive line.

Asheville, the other preseason favorite, is also 2-1. The Cougars have a strong passing attack led by quarterback Jordan Phillips. Antwan Broadwater, who has been slowed by an injury, is the top running threat for Coach Danny Wilkens.

Smoky Mountain's 0-4 start led to speculation about the Mustangs going winless. That's nothing but a distant memory after victories over North Buncombe and East Henderson have left SM 2-1 in the league. The loss of tailback Dustin Melton will hurt Coach Tim Hawkins' team, but several other backs have carried the ball this season. The SM defense has shown great improvement. If that continues, the Mustangs will be able to stay in most any game.

Just a half game back in the standings at 1-1 is Tuscola, SM's opponent Friday. Coach Doug Brooks has shifted from the wishbone to the wing T. Jawan Moore is the top running threat for Tuscola. Don't be deceived by the Mountaineers' overall 1-3 record. They have lost to Erwin by five points and Pisgah by seven while playing Brevard tough for a half.

Roberson is also 1-1 in the MAC after just missing a field goal in the final minute of a 16-14 loss to Asheville. Mike Houston is in his first year as coach. His offense is led by quarterback Todd Davey.

East Henderson may be just 1-2 in the MAC but owns a win over Erwin. If the Eagles are clicking, they can play with anyone in the league. Quarterback Zach Cooper and running back Vernon Jones are dangerous weapons for Coach Eddie Reneau.

Despite the 0-2 MAC start, don't count out Enka. Coach Jeff Conner's team has non-conference wins over Pisgah and Swain, two teams that beat Smoky Mountain. The Jets may have the best receiver around in Phllip Bohanon. Throwing the ball to him is quarterback Clint McCoy.

Bill Smothers has taken over as coach at North Buncombe, and the Black Hawks opened with wins over Owen and Madison. They have struggled since league play began with three straight losses. Adam Atkinson and Colin Sudillo have shared quarterbacking duties. Shawn Silver and Shane Robinson are the top threats on the ground.

In short, it looks like the MAC football race will be a wild ride with a thrilling finish expected.

Back to Sports: 10/04/01.