The Citizen Times has unveiled its ranking of the top ten Western North Carolina high school quarterbacks who are expected to shape the 2026 NCHSAA football season.
Readers are being invited to vote for the Ingles WNC preseason quarterback of the year, a title that will be decided before the first regular‑season kickoff.
Rising Stars Lead the Pack
Among the standouts, Tay Williams of Asheville High posted 1,726 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 68 percent of his throws.
Dawson Panther from Cherokee, a junior, managed 1,152 yards and six touchdowns against ten interceptions on a 54 percent completion rate.
Caden Ingle at Erwin recorded 2,420 yards and 19 scores with 11 picks, hitting 60 percent of his attempts.
Anderson Terrell from Franklin added 1,235 yards and nine touchdowns with four interceptions, also completing 60 percent of his passes.
JaRon Ward of Hendersonville threw for 2,390 yards and 29 touchdowns while tossing six interceptions, again completing 68 percent of his throws.
Owen Riddle from Mitchell guided the Mountaineers to a fourth‑round playoff run in his final nine games, underscoring his clutch performance.
Brayden Deyton of Mountain Heritage threw 19 touchdowns against just four interceptions and contributed 540 rushing yards and seven rushing scores.
Brody Wilkins from Polk County posted 1,174 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 52 percent completion as a sophomore.
Avery Hollifield at Reynolds threw for 674 yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions on 68 percent completion over five games.
Karod Harris of Roberson combined 1,487 passing yards and 15 touchdowns with four interceptions, while also rushing for 685 yards and 11 scores.
The breadth of talent across the region suggests a competitive season ahead, with each quarterback bringing a distinct mix of arm strength, accuracy and mobility.