Vote: Who should be SBLive's Western North Carolina high school football defensive player of the week (10/23/23)?

Here are the candidates for SBLive’s Western North Carolina high school defensive football player of the week for Oct. 23 as nominated by fans, readers and SBLive’s staff. Read through the nominees and cast your vote in our poll. You may vote as many times as you want. Voting will conclude on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11:59 p.m. and the winner will be announced in next week's poll. If you would like to nominate an athlete, tag us on Twitter or Instagram at @sblivenc.

Congratulations to last week's winner, Jordan Lineberger of Newton-Conover.

Editor’s note: Our Players of the Week polls are intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times you can vote during the competition. Our poll in no way is meant to discredit other players not mentioned.

HERE ARE THIS WEEK'S NOMINEES

Ash Hartzog, Avery County: Hartzog had two interceptions and six tackles in a 39-21 win over Owen.

Will Johnson, Owen: Johnson recorded 20 tackles, had a fumble return for a touchdown and an interception in a 39-21 loss to Avery County.

Ryan Bassani, North Lincoln: Bassani finished with 16 tackles and three tackles for loss in a 38-7 win over West Iredell.

Jurnee Lattimore, North Gaston: Lattimore had an interception return for a touchdown in a 43-10 win over Stuart Cramer.

Jason Melton, Kings Mountain: Melton had 10 tackles in a 24-3 win over Ashbrook.

Turner Wood, Hickory: Wood recorded 17 tackles and an interception in a 61-14 win over Foard.