Jager Gardner

Jager Gardner became the second football player in Buncombe County history to run for 6,000 career yards

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior was the 2014 Citizen-Times All-WNC Player of the Year and Western Highlands Conference Player of the Year.

Gardner (2,776 yards, 36 touchdowns) surpassed the former area record for all-time rushing (6,657 yards) despite breaking his dominant hand (left) in the eighth game of the season. The previous mark for career rushing at Owen was 4,655 yards.

Gardner also hauled in seven receptions for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, he made 69 tackles (11 for a loss), and on special teams, Gardner returned five kickoffs or punts for touchdowns. That garnered him a spot on The Associated Press all-state team.