Kinston Football 2025 Preview

Kinston Football 2025 Preview

Full Schedule

• Aug. 22 – at South Central – 7:00 PM

• Aug. 29 – vs. Wallace-Rose Hill – 7:00 PM

• Sept. 5 – at North Lenoir – 7:00 PM

• Sept. 12 – vs. White Oak – 7:00 PM

• Sept. 19 – vs. South Lenoir – 7:00 PM

• Oct. 3 – at Ayden-Grifton* – 7:00 PM

• Oct. 10 – at Greene Central* – 7:00 PM

• Oct. 17 – at Farmville Central* – 7:00 PM

• Oct. 24 – vs. Beddingfield* – 7:00 PM

• Oct. 31 – vs. Tarboro* – 7:00 PM

(* = Conference game)

New Conference

• Tarboro (2A)

• Kinston (3A)

• Ayden-Grifton (3A)

• Beddingfield (3A)

• Farmville Central (3A)

• Greene Central (3A)

Most Important Games

• Week 2 – Wallace-Rose Hill (8/29): Wallace is a powerhouse. If Kinston is going to live up to the hype, they have to at least push Wallace to the limit — if not win outright. A huge RPI game and early measuring stick.

• Greene Central (10/10): A rivalry that’s been fierce across football and basketball for the past decade. Kinston dropped this one last year, and they’ll be looking for redemption.

• Tarboro (10/31): The finale against a state championship-caliber program. The Vikings won’t see Tarboro in the playoffs, but it’s a chance to test themselves against the best.

Most Important Player

Tyler Jones (Sr., QB) – In this pass-first offense, the quarterback is the key to everything. Jones has the tools — a D1 frame, strong arm, and sharp football mentality. He’s the type of senior leader who can make this team special.

Strengths

• Passing game

• Playmaking athletes on both sides of the ball

• Fast-paced offense

• Homerun ability

Weaknesses

• Replacing offensive line pieces lost to graduation and injury

Top Returning Players

• Tyreek Copper (WR): NC State commit and without a doubt the best receiver in North Carolina.

• Brennan Chamber (WR): Long, lanky, fast, and a legit D1 talent — Marshall commit with big-play ability.

• Jemorris Poole (CB): One of the best lockdown corners in Eastern NC.

• ExZavion Croom (ATH): The x-factor. Versatile weapon who can hit, cover, and make plays all over.

• Christian Ham (LB): A three-year starter and one of the top defensive leaders for the Vikings.

Underrated Players

• Genesis Wiggins (ATH): Explosive athlete who won’t be under the radar for long.

• Justin Gooding (DB): Reliable cover guy with good speed.

• Isaiah Newton (DL): Feisty, tough defensive lineman who plays hard-nosed football.

Trey’s Take

With a 3,000-yard passer returning and two D1 receivers (Copper to NC State, Chambers to Marshall), the hype around this Kinston team is real — and deserved. Many of these players have been starters since their sophomore year, and this season feels like the one they’ve been building toward.

Schedule Prediction: 8–2 Regular Season

Final Word: This group is loaded. The Vikings have speed, talent, and experience across the board, and if they stay healthy, they’ll be a dangerous playoff team in 3A.