There is no doubt that Mt Airy's conference is weaker this year without East Surry but is that Mt Airy's fault. And Mt Airy has played 2 2A schools, 1 3A school and 1 1A school that just dropped down in classification. Does not seem to me that they are avoiding anyone.
North Surry beat Wilkes Central last Friday, Surry Central ran all over their opponent last Friday, as did Draughn.
To me, the only question about Mt Airy is how big a fish are they? Seems like they are growing no matter what size of pond they are in.