Vote for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week
Here are the nominees for The Observer’s football defensive player of the week. Nominees come from games played the week of Oct 2.
Read more Vote for The Charlotte Observer’s high school athlete of the week
The poll will close at noon Friday.
Isaiah Johnson, Mallard Creek: In a 38-21 win over North Mecklenburg, the junior middle linebacker had 13 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two sacks and a caused fumble.
Shawn Kennedy, Cannon School: In a 31-24 win over Charlotte Country Day, Kennedy had five tackles, three tackles for a loss and two sacks.
Lucas Manuszewski, Cox Mill: In a 28-21 win over Central Cabarrus, Manuszewski had 11 tackles including six solo tackles and a sack.
Jalaythan Mayfield, Lincolnton: In a 68-0 win over Bessemer City, Mayfield had 10 tackles, including seven solos, plus three tackles for a loss, a sack and a QB hurry. He also forced two fumbles. Mayfield is committed to Indiana.
Jaylin Mobley, AL Brown: In a 38-21 win over Olympic, Mobley had six tackles, with four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, three QB hurries and a fumble recovery.
Max Priest, East Mecklenburg: In a 41-21 loss to Providence, Priest had a game-high 14 tackles, with 13 of them being solo tackles.
Landry Pruitt, Cherryville: In a 49-22 win over West Lincoln, Pruitt had a team-high 10 tackles.
Cade Rasmussen, Community School of Davidson: In a 36-7 win over Community School of Davidson, Rasmussen had six tackles, for a loss, two sacks, a blocked field goal and 20-yard pick-6.
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Tyler Rhyne, Hickory Grove: In a 12-7 win over Covenant Day, Rhyne had 15 tackles on defense, five tackles for a loss, and an interception return for the game-winning score.
Cam Simpson, Corvian Community: In a 45-14 win over Pine Lake Prep, Simpson had two interceptions. On offense, he caught four passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Kaden Taylor, Palisades: In a 21-14 win over Ardrey Kell, Taylor had a team-high eight tackles, including a team-high six solos. He also had an interception.
Charles Watson, Porter Ridge: In a 26-21 win over Piedmont, Watson had 13 tackles, including eight solo tackles and three tackles for loss. He also had an interception.
Bolt Wilton, Providence: In a 41-21 win over East Mecklenburg, Wilton had 11 total tackles, including six solo tackles.
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This story was originally published October 5, 2026 at 8:05 PM with the headline “Vote for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week.”
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