Shannon

Shannon, NC · Education
sandhillssentinel.com
wcti12.com
Neuse News
Asheville Citizen-Times
Smoky Mountain's Rylee Smith scores 7 TDs to lead WNC 1st round NCHSAA playoffs top performers
The 2026 North Carolina high school football postseason began with the first round of the NCHSAA and NCISAA playoffs on Nov. 6. Here are the Western North Carolina football top performers from this week. BOLD PREDICTIONS: Three bold predictions for WNC programs in 2026 NCHSAA football playoffs Zane Cheuvront, Avery County: Cheuvront ran for 281 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries, and caught a pass for eight yards in a 44-28 loss vs. Langtree Charter. Kolton Wise, Avery County: Wise ran for 44 yards and a touchdown on two carries in the loss. Dillon Beam, Cherokee: Beam completed nine of 12 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns with an interception and ran for 20 yards and a touchdown on four carries in a 39-12 win vs. Hayesville. Tsu-la Howlingcrane, Cherokee: Howlingcrane caught six passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown in the win. Kingston Welch, Cherokee: Welch ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries in the victory. Kyngston Denson, North Buncombe: Denson ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, and caught three passes for 53 yards in a 58-34 loss vs. Smoky Mountain.