The 2023 breakthrough
Asheville School capped a remarkable 2023 campaign that placed it at the pinnacle of private‑school football in Western North Carolina. The Blues finished the regular season with a 7‑3 record and earned a berth in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state championship game.
The climax came in a dramatic overtime victory over longtime rival Christ School, where a last‑second field goal snapped a 13‑game losing streak and delivered the program’s first championship appearance in years.
Stars emerging for 2026
As the offseason unfolds, a handful of athletes are already generating buzz for their potential impact in 2026. At Asheville Christian Academy, Luke Lane has emerged as a dual‑threat, logging 546 receiving yards while also contributing 21 tackles on defense. Roman Maner, also from Asheville Christian Academy, has drawn attention for his 28 tackles, six of which came behind the line of scrimmage. Les Otis, the quarterback for Asheville Christian Academy, has thrown for 1,764 yards and 12 touchdowns, positioning him as a key offensive weapon. Meanwhile, Nate Hubbard of Asheville School has recorded 67 tackles, including seven for loss, anchoring the defense.
Running back Shiloh Mukendi of Asheville School surged for 1,106 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, helping the team average 32 points per game. Defensive standouts such as Alex Samson (89 tackles, 16 for loss) and Tay Wadsworth (42 tackles, three for loss) have reinforced the Blues’ defensive depth. The offensive arsenal also includes Isiah Wallace, who hauled in 12 passes for 263 yards and five touchdowns, while Brayden Crain of Christ School added eight catches for 97 yards and four scores.
At the specialist level, Sean Kraft is recognized as the nation’s top long snapper, a rare honor that underscores the program’s attention to detail. Other notable contributors from Christ School include Dre'Shun Smith, who pulled in 29 receptions for 543 yards and five touchdowns, and Linkin Stevens, who tallied 87 tackles with 12 for loss. Ryan Taylor and Logan Woolsey rounded out the Greenies’ defensive production with 46 and 91 tackles respectively, the latter leading the team in that category.
Looking ahead
With the foundation of a historic 2023 season still fresh, the region’s private schools are poised to translate early‑season promise into sustained success. The blend of experienced returners and emerging talent suggests that the 2026 campaign will be marked by heightened competition and perhaps another chapter of unexpected breakthroughs.