With the 2026 high school football season approaching, the Citizen Times has identified several key teams in Western North Carolina vying for the title of preseason No. 1. Voting is now open for fans to weigh in, with a deadline of August 6 at noon. Notable teams include Asheville High, which returns talent like quarterback Tay Williams; Franklin, hoping for its first conference championship since 2017; and Hendersonville, with nearly all key players back. Mitchell and Murphy are also strong contenders, alongside Roberson, featuring returning and newly acquired standout players. The competition is fierce as teams look to make their mark this season.

By the Numbers
  • Asheville High finished last season at 6-6, placing third in their conference.
  • Franklin last won a conference championship in 2017.
State of Play
  • Voting for the Ingles WNC preseason team of the year is currently open.
  • Several teams, including Roberson, are looking to build on their strong performances from the previous season.
What's Next

As the voting concludes on August 6, the results could forecast early season momentum for the winning team, impacting player morale and fan engagement heading into the competitive season.

Bottom Line

The upcoming WNC high school football season promises to be competitive, with several teams poised to challenge for supremacy. Fan votes may influence early dynamics, making the preseason selection a significant indicator of team prospects.