For most people, summer is going too fast. However, for some of us, fall and football cannot get here fast enough. As a way to satisfy your football needs, here is a list of the five most intriguing games that feature local teams.
#5- Tennessee at Georgia- Saturday, October 11th.
This will be a make or break game for both teams. If the Vols enter this game undefeated in SEC play, it will mean they have defeated both Florida and Auburn, and a victory in this game will put them in the driver’s seat in the SEC East. On the flip side, however, the Vols could realistically enter this game 2-3. If that is the case, Tennessee may need a victory just to keep their bowl hopes alive.
#4- Appalachian State vs. Wofford- Friday, October 31st.
This has the potential to be the best atmosphere as well as the best game of any on this list. Wofford ended App’s record breaking win streak last year as the two teams tied for the SoCon Championship. The game will also be a homecoming for Eric Britenstein as the Boone native will make his first trip home to play as a Terrier. Oh yeah, did I mention this game is on Halloween night and in front of a national TV audience on ESPN? This game is a must see for any football fan.
#3- Cloudland at Hampton- Friday, October 31st.
If history repeats itself, this Halloween showdown could also double as the conference championship. That exact scenario was in place last season when the Bulldogs left Roan Mountain with the crown. However, this season the Highlanders want revenge and the conference title. However, if one team stumbles along the way, this game between fierce rivals will still be important because a victory would be morale boast entering the playoffs.
#2- Avery at Watauga- Friday, September 5th.
This contest is this area’s version of David versus Goliath. Avery is a small 1-A school while Watauga is the bigger 4-A foe. The differences between Boone and Newland are night and day. This year’s edition of this classic rivalry will be a major test for both teams as Avery looks to end a two year losing streak to the Pioneers. This year’s Goliath is weakened as the Pioneers lost their premier back Eric Britenstein to graduation last season. Will this be the year Avery comes out on top?
#1- Avery at Cloudland- Friday, August 22nd.
There is no better way to celebrate the start football season then with the Avery Journal-Times Border Battle Classic. These two longtime rivals renewed their rivalry last year with Avery coming out on top. This season, the battle moves to Roan Mountain, and the ‘Landers want to avenge last season’s loss. The Vikings however, want to start the season off right, and a victory over their rival Highlanders in the Border Battle Classic would be a great way to accomplish that.
