Vote Now: Who should be SBLive’s Western North Carolina Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 8-9)?
Here are the candidates for SBLive’s Western North Carolina Defensive Football Player of the Week for Sept. 8-9 as nominated by fans, readers and SBLive’s staff. Read through the nominees and cast your vote in our poll. You may vote as many times as you want. Voting will conclude on Saturday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m. and the winner will be announced in next week's poll. If you would like to nominate an athlete, tag us on Twitter or Instagram at @sblivenc.
Congratulations to last week's winner, Jordan Lineberger of Newton-Conover. Lineberger received more than 31,000 votes, just over 50 percent of all votes cast. Tyreese Thames of Forestview was second.
Editor’s note: Our Players of the Week polls are intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times you can vote during the competition. Our poll in no way is meant to discredit other players not mentioned.
HERE ARE THIS WEEK'S NOMINEES
Rylan Cooper, Mitchell: Cooper recorded 10 tackles in a 20-3 win against Andrews.
Will Johnson, Owen: Johnson had two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, in a 26-6 win against East Henderson. Johnson also had two rushing touchdowns.
Jurnee Lattimore, North Gaston: Lattimore had an interception return for a touchdown, a fumble recovery and returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown in a 55-7 win over Cherryville.
Caiden Smith, Forest Hills: Smith had 15 tackles, a sack and an interception in a 21-14 win over Community School of Davidson.
Khiyale Washington, Mountain Island Charter: Washington recorded 11 tackles and a sack in a 42-13 win over Southlake Christian.
