Vote for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week (10.16.26)

Here are the nominees for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week after Week 8 of the season. Nominees come from games played from the week of Oct. 9.

The poll will close at noon Friday.

Jacob Ahmadivarji, Providence Day: In a 51-14 win over Ambassador Christian, Ahmadivarji had nine tackles, a team-high, plus three tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Wyatt Baker, Community School of Davidson: In a 41-0 win over Lincoln Charter, Baker had two interceptions, plus four catches for 50 yards and two TDs. He also had a 39-yard kickoff return.

Logan Frate, Lake Norman Charter: In a 13-10 win over Christ the King, Frate had 13 tackles, six solo tackles and a forced fumble.

Dhilyn Hollis, AL Brown: In a 55-7 win over Central Cabarrus, Hollis had 11 tackles, eight of which were solos, plus four tackles for a loss and an interception.

Dominic Kimble, North Lincoln: In a 36-20 win over Bandys, Kimble had 11 tackles, including six solos.

Kaiden Lawrence, Charlotte Christian: In a 35-21 loss to Christ School, Lawrence had six tackles and two interceptions. He returned one for a touchdown.

Easton McGraw, Hickory Grove: In a 39-26 win over Durham’s Mount Zion Christian, McGraw, who plays offensive and defensive line, had multiple pancake blocks on offense and eight tackles on defense.

Ayden Mark, Charlotte Latin: In a 21-20 upset win over Cannon, Mark had an interception plus six tackles and a tackle for a loss.

Hayden Richards, SouthLake Christian: In a 20-13 come-from-behind win over Covenant Day, Richards had 15 tackles, six of which were solos, plus seven tackles for a loss and two sacks. SouthLake rallied from a 13-10 fourth quarter deficit to win.

Darius Scarlett, North Mecklenburg: The Vikings lost, 20-13, to Butler at home Friday, but Scarlett had 20 tackles, including 13 solos. He also had a sack.

Ryan Voci, Marvin Ridge: In a 27-26 win over Porter Ridge, Voci had 11 tackles, including seven solo tackles and he had a defended pass.

Isaiah Woodburn, Jay M Robinson: In a 66-0 win over South Rowan, Woodburn had 16 tackles and two tackles for a loss.

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This story was originally published October 12, 2026 at 8:05 PM with the headline “Vote for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week (10.16.26).”