Vote for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week
Here are the nominees for The Observer’s boys’ high school defensive football player of the week after Week 1 of the season. Nominees come from games played from Aug. 20-22.
Read more Vote for The Observer’s high school football offensive player of the week
The poll will close at noon Friday.
Justin Abanquah, Providence Day: In a 49-13 win over Myers Park, Abanquah had 6 tackles, including a sack. He defended a pass and had a 5-yard carry for a score.
Noah Belote, Hickory Grove: In a 19-0 win over Bonnie Cone, Belote, a senior returning all-state player, had seven tackles, a fumble recovery and converted a fake punt for a 6-yard gain and a first down. On offense, he had 7 catches for 60 yards and a TD, and he threw a 49-yard scoring pass.
Mason Hefner, Lake Norman: In a 47-0 win over Sun Valley, Hefner, a free safety, had four tackles and two interceptions. He returned both interceptions for touchdowns, accounting for 95 return yards in total.
Dhylin Hollis, AL Brown: In a 42-10 win over Porter Ridge, Hollis had nine tackles, including three tackles for a loss.
Isaiah Johnson, Mallard Creek: Johnson had 17 tackles and 3.5 sacks in a 45-25 win over Rolesville.
Nisaih Smith, Parkwood: In a 47-32 win over Piedmont, Smith forced three fumbles, one of which he recovered, and he had three tackles and an interception.
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Granger Sutsko, Providence: In a 24-21 come-from-behind at Hickory Ridge, the senior defensive lineman had 4 sacks, all in the second half, plus 3 tackles for a loss.
Messiah Thompson, Lincolnton: In a 30-10 win over Maiden, Thompson had three interceptions. He returned two of them for touchdowns, covering 100-yards and 46 yards. He had also had five tackles and 3 pass break-ups. On offense, he had 44 yards receiving and a touchdown, plus a 44-yard kickoff return.
Davis Weycker, Piedmont: In a 47-32 loss to Parkwood, the senior linebacker had 17 total tackles, including 13 solo, plus 2 tackles for a loss and a pass breakup.
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This story was originally published August 24, 2026 at 8:15 PM with the headline “Vote for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week.”
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