The 2025 high school football season is nearly here. Wilmington-area teams are set to hit the field for Week 1 action on Aug. 22, leaving fans just a few short weeks without high school football action.

After evaluating the area's top defenders this fall, it's time for fans to voice their opinion and vote for the 2025 StarNews preseason high school football defender of the year.

This poll will close Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. All results are determined entirely by fans. At least one defensive player from each of the area's 10 high schools was made eligible to vote for. Vote now as many times as you like below.

See Full Page