Who is the top junior high school football player in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties ahead of the 2025 season? The Gaston Gazette and Shelby Star has provided its own in-depth look at local talents, along with where they stand in comparison to their peers at certain position groups.

Now it’s your turn to decide which player in the Class of 2026 is best of the bunch.

Select from the group of players below. The poll closes Aug. 11 at 11:59 p.m. We’ll also have team capsules and other coverage getting area football enthusiasts primed for the upcoming gridiron campaign.

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