Asheville Citizen Times: NCHSAA Football 2024 Mountain Athletic Conference Preview
Three Bold Predictions for 2024 Season
1. Asheville High bounces back for 8-win season
The Asheville High Cougars are gearing up for a strong season in 2024 after finishing third in the Mountain Athletic Conference with a 5-6 record last year. With a challenging nonconference schedule, the Cougars are poised to finish the regular season with a 7-3 record and secure a postseason victory, propelling them to an impressive eight-win mark for the third time in four years.
2. Erwin earns best conference finish since 2021
The Erwin Warriors, led by talented players like Lawson Reynolds and Judah Dayton, are looking to improve upon their 4-7 record from last season. With a more forgiving conference schedule ahead, Erwin is expected to challenge for six wins and aim for a higher conference finish, marking significant progress for the team.
3. Max Guest is named All-WNC Offensive Player of the Year
Max Guest, a standout running back committed to App State, is poised to shine in the 2024 season after missing most of the previous year due to a foot injury. With an impressive track record of 1,746 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns in 2022, Guest is set to lead Reynolds’ offense alongside quarterback Ely Hamrick, making him a top contender for the All-WNC Offensive Player of the Year title.
Top Players to Watch in the Mountain Athletic Conference
1. Cohen Bohanon, Roberson | LB | Sr.
2. Cardia Boyd, Roberson | DL | Sr.
3. Sherard Gilliland, Roberson | DB | Sr.
4. Max Guest, Reynolds | RB | Sr.
5. Ely Hamrick, Reynolds | QB | Jr.
6. Caden Ingle, Erwin | QB | So.
7. Tyvon Patterson, Reynolds | RB/WR | Jr.
8. Hunter Pittman, McDowell | RB | Jr.
9. Meek Slydell, Asheville High | QB | Jr.
10. Kareem Williams, Asheville High | DB | Sr.
Five Can’t-Miss Games in the 2024 Season
1. West Forsyth at Reynolds, Aug. 23
2. Tuscola at Asheville High, Aug. 23
3. Enka at Erwin, Sept. 20
4. Asheville High at Reynolds, Oct. 4
5. Roberson at Reynolds, Oct. 25
These highly anticipated matchups will showcase top talent and fierce competition in the Mountain Athletic Conference, offering fans an exciting football season ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of NCHSAA football as the 2024 season unfolds.