Maroon Devils Visit Black Knights in Smoky Mountain Showdown

The night before a big game in the Smoky Mountain Conference always carries a special kind of electricity, and that’s exactly what surrounds Friday night’s matchup at the historic Big Oaks. The Swain County Maroon Devils (3-2) roll into Robbinsville to take on the Black Knights (4-2) in one of the league’s most anticipated clashes of the season.

Swain enters the contest fresh off a bye week, giving the Devils extra time to prepare and heal up. They bring a healthy roster, plenty of size along the offensive and defensive lines, and a punishing ground game that has already piled up over 1,300 rushing yards this season. Add in confidence from a signature win over Mountain Heritage earlier in the year, and Swain looks ready to lean on its physical style of play.

Robbinsville, meanwhile, comes in with momentum of its own after handling Andrews last week. The Black Knights always have a stable of great running backs strapped up, but with quarterback Luke Lovin’s passing game starting to click, the Knights have been able to give defenses some different looks. While Robbinsville doesn’t boast the biggest line up front, the Knights use quickness and athleticism to open lanes and disrupt opponents. And of course, they’ll have the advantage of playing under the lights at the Big Oaks—a setting where tradition runs deep and the stands will be packed.

Keys to the Game

Turnover Battle: In a matchup this tight, every fumble and interception matters. Protect the ball, and victory is closer.

Decision Making: Smart choices under pressure from players and coaches alike will go a long way in this one.

Composure: Big crowd, big atmosphere—who keeps their cool when it matters most?

Why Swain Will Win

~Brandon Stephens

The key to success for the Devils is to control the line of scrimmage and stop Running backs Senior Isiac Collins and Senior Kyzik Teesateskie. Teesateskie has efficiently picked up 314 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns. Collins is averaging 7 yards per carry. The resolution to this goal of line control is great performances by Drew Scaggs, Ayden Smiley, Colton Shuler, Trent Jones, and Sylas Stanberry. The sheer size of the Swain front gives them an advantage between two teams who love the ground and pound game. SMC matchups are always won in the trenches. This game will be one of the more physical and hard-hitting games of the season, and perfect execution will be necessary. If Swain can stay clear of any major penalties or boneheaded mistakes, then all things point to this being a Maroon Devil victory.

Why Robbinsville Will Win

~Jake West

The Black Knights have already played a murderers row of opponents and we are only 6 games into the season. They’ve been tested, and they’ve seen just about every offensive scheme that you can see through a quarter of a season. The thing is, I dont think they matchup well with anybody, but thats more of a problem for opposing teams than it is for the Knights. Robbinsville has more dudes over 6 foot lined up in the backfield than they do with hands in the dirt on the line. And while other teams may see that as a miss-match in their favor, thats not the case. The quickness and heart these lineman play with is really fun to watch, and they’re not afraid to put you in the dirt either.

Robbinsville also has the ability to stretch the field for the first time in a few years. They can beat you DEEP with a Luke Lovin to Cam Allison bomb and punch you in the mouth two seconds later with one of their 6 foot 3, 220 pound running backs.

I think the diversity of this team sets them apart. And the fact they’re playing under The Big Oaks. Give me Robbinsville.

Two proud programs, two mirroring styles of football, and one Friday night that promises to feel every bit like a playoff atmosphere. Get there early, it’ll be standing room only real quick!

Prediction-

Jake West- Robbinsville 27 Swain 14

Brandon Stephens- Swain 35 Robbinsville 17