Bryson City – The county rivalry is always big for both Swain and Cherokee, but this year it will be even bigger for both squads. Cherokee will enter Swain County Memorial Stadium undefeated at 5-0 and ranked 8th in the latest 1A polls. The Maroon Devils, on the other hand, come into the game with a 2-3 overall mark.
The Braves come into the game averaging over 40 points per contest. High flying senior quarterback Tye Mintz has accounted for 872 total yards on the season. He has thrown for 382 yards and ran for 490. Joining him in the backfield is junior Isaiah Evans who is averaging over 100 yards per game rushing.
Swain finds themselves in an unusual position against the Braves. For one of the rare times in the two teams history Swain will most certainly be the underdog. But for the Devils, being the underdog, is a role that they have traditionally relished.
One thing is for certain, for the Devils to have home field advantage, their fan base will have to show up. The Braves, at 5-0, will bring a huge crowd with them on Friday, and could possibly turn Swain County Memorial Stadium into a home game. Swain’s fan base, who have been lacking so far this season, will have to show up and show out if they are to offset the Cherokee crowd.
Either way this one has all the markings of another classic game for the Devils and Braves, and I for one would hate to miss it!
Hope to see you there!