Topic: Football

Weaverville -- The Asheville Cougars wrapped up the regular season as what some call an "improbable" conference co-championship with a win over North Buncombe 29-6. The North Buncombe game was the second for the Cougars this week who made their Monday Night Football debut earlier in the week defeating Franklin, and secured their fourth MAC championship in five years.

Asheville led the Blackhawks from the start, securing a 17-0 lead in the first quarter. Greg Ray put the first few points on the board with a 1 yard run. Asheville almost immediately regained possession with a drive capped off by a 29 yard field goal by Reed Turchi. Rico Parks finished off the quarter with a short TD run.

In the third quarter, Rico Parks caught a 11yd pass for a touchdown, followed by a failed 2-point conversion. In the fourth quarter, Greg Ray made his second short TD run of the night, also followed by a missed 2-point conversion. North Buncombe put its only points for the night on the board with 2:11 remaining, a 10 yard TD run by Miles Rice with an incomplete pass during the 2-point conversion.

As conference co-champion, Asheville earned a #5 seed in the playoffs and will play Fred T. Foard at home this week. Should Asheville win, they are likely to face Concord away in a game with "revenge" implications after the 2004 loss.

Asheville - October 30, 2006 - In a game that was postponed from Friday to Monday due to the weather, the Asheville Cougars appeared to like Monday Night Football as they defeated the #1 ranked and previously unbeaten Franklin Panthers (9-1, 4-1) by a score of 14-7.  Barring a major upset this Friday at North Buncombe, Asheville will share the MAC title with Franklin (if they defeat Enka), and should get the top seed in the upcoming 3A playoffs. 

The Cougars have been somewhat erratic in attaining their 6-3/4-1 record, but put it all together against Franklin, over whom they hold a 10-1 record and also spoiled a potential perfect season for the second consecutive year.

Read full article: 'Cougars Defeat #1 Franklin 14-7'

Waynesville - October 20, 2006 - Asheville kept its MAC championship hopes alive by holding off Tuscola 22-10. The Cougars scored the first 22 points in the first and second quarters.  Asheville got scores from Troyce McCants o­n a 65 yard run, from sophomore Greg Ray (recently pulled up from JV) o­n a 28 yard run, and from Antonio Carson o­n a 1 yard run.  Tuscola got a 30 yard FG from Leo Gamez and scored o­n a Madison Davis to Nathan Heath 4 yard pass play.    This sets up a big matchup for the Cougars at home next week versus Franklin where the MAC Championship will likely be decided. 

Please see the "Game of the Week" information above and participate in our weekly TV Poll located in the right column.

Asheville -- The Cougars bounce back after last week's loss to T.C. Roberson by shutting out the Erwin Warriors 28-0. The Cougars scored in every quarter dominating the game.

One of the most important developments to the Asheville season also took place at the Enka-T.C. Roberson game. Roberson was upset by Enka, allowing Asheville a chance to share the conference title should it defeat Franklin later in the season.

For a game summary of the Erwin game, check out Prepalert.com.

Photo credit: Jim Kransberger, Prepalert.com

Skyland -- T.C. Roberson defeated Asheville 35-13 in a show that was all Rams at Guy Ensley Stadium in Skyland. Roberson's win over Asheville all but guaranteed Asheville can finish its season at best as a conference co-champion.



Check out the whole story at Prepalert.com.  Photo credit: Jim Kransberger, Prepalert.com