Midseason Offensive Player of the Year Frontrunners- 2A
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As we continue our series on midseason player of the year candidates, we move into the 2A classification. In addition to being a wide open class when it comes to potential state champions, 2A has several players vying for the top spot in the class. So many, in fact, that we decided to break it down even further and look at the offensive and defensive leaders separately. We take a look at some of the contenders here.
Wyatt Holland Wyatt Holland 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Midway | 2022 NC , 6’ 175, QB- Midway
Holland had one of the best starts we’ve ever seen when he exploded onto the scene with a 618-yard, 10-touchdown performance in the season opener. Since, he’s only slowed slightly, as he’s thrown 25 touchdowns to just one interception in seven starts. He throws well on the run and has maintained an impressive 71.9 completion percentage.
Folger Boaz Folger Boaz 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB East Surry | 2023 State NC , 6’3 185, QB- East Surry
Many wondered how former 1A power East Surry would adjust to the reclassification, but through five games there’s little doubt that the Cardinals can compete at a higher level. Leading the way is Boaz, who leads the Cardinals in both passing and rushing and has put up 22 total touchdowns. Boaz has only turned it over four times this season as he leads one of the more potent offenses in the 2A classification.
Daylin Lee, 6’3 180, QB- Shelby
Lee leads a strong Shelby offense as one of its most effective quarterbacks in recent memory. Yet to throw an interception through seven games, Lee is second in the class in completions and fourth in yardage. After a disappointing spring, it looks like Shelby will make another run at a state title and with Lee at the helm, a return to the championship game looks like a strong possibility.
Gavin Gosnell Gavin Gosnell 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Hendersonville | 2022 NC , 6’2 205, QB- Hendersonville
Continuing the theme of high-performing quarterbacks, Gosnell has led Hendersonville to a strong 6-1 start behind a 20-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He’s been consistent, putting up at least 250 total yards and four touchdowns in every game against North Carolina competition. Hendersonville has the look of a team that could make another playoff run after losing in overtime in the state semifinal last spring.
Marqies McCombs Marqies McCombs 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Chase | 2023 State NC , 5’10 180, RB- Chase
McCombs leads the state in rushing by a wide margin as he’s already put up over 1700 yards in seven weeks. Forget 100-yard games, McCombs has gone over 200 yards in every contest this year, led by a 362-yard, 5-touchdown outburst against McDowell a few weeks ago. McCombs is currently fourth in the country in rushing yardage and averages 10.6 yards a carry. He’s having a ridiculous season, to say the least.
Kanye Roberts, 5’11 190, RB- Wallace-Rose Hill
Roberts sits second in the state with 1443 rushing yards through seven games which is impressive even before you see that he didn’t even start the first two weeks of the year. In his last five games, he’s averaged 267 yards from scrimmage and scored 22 touchdowns on just 90 touches. He’s a home run threat every time he touches the ball. In addition to his contributions on offense, he’s averaging nearly 60 yards a kick return and 30 yards a punt return.