ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — High school football is finally back in North Carolina, with Week 1 bringing the return of Friday night lights — even if some teams had to turn them on a night early. Several games originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21, were moved to Thursday as thunderstorms threatened much of the state, giving players, coaches and fans an early start to the 2026 season.

Thursday scores

West Henderson 34, Erwin 212

T.C. Roberson 48, Huss 12

Freedom 33, Patton 0

Owen 37, Rosman 14

Friday scores

Enka 28, North Henderson 14

Madison 21, Andrews 0

Watauga 55, Ashe County 13

Franklin 42, Murphy 7

Tuscola 23, Robbinsville 0

Pisgah 48, Mountain Heritage 30

Shelby 28, Kings Mountain 21

Smoky Mountain 42, Swain County 6

Hendersonville 48, East Henderson 0

Cherokee 66, North Buncombe 60