Kinston Tops North Lenoir in Thrilling Senior Night Showdown
On a Senior Night infused with palpable electricity, North Lenoir High School’s “Swamp” transformed into an arena of soaring triumphs and heart-wrenching realities. A cross-town rivalry was reignited as the Kinston Vikings descended on the Hawks' lair, culminating in a 66-42 victory for the visitors. But the final score was merely a footnote in a narrative rich with record-breaking performances, tactical brilliance, and high-stakes drama.
The Offensive Fireworks Display
This was no ordinary contest. Kinston's QB Qurron Ross put on a first-half clinic, hurling six touchdown passes, only to finish with a staggering 25-of-35 completions for 393 total yards (43 rushing yards) and seven TDs. Kinston wide receivers racked up Tyreek Copper finished with 8 catches 69 yards 2 TDs, AC Simmons 6 catches 84 yards and 2 TDs and Antwain Jones 4 catches 110 yards 2 TDs
North Lenoir had offensive fireworks of their own, showcasing an invigorated triple-option attack led by QB Malachi Ramsey. He racked up 115 total yards and a touchdown, opening up lanes for his running backs Malik Fuller and MJ Pippen. Fuller went beast-mode, devouring the turf for 218 yards and two scores, while Pippen added his own sizzle with 70 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Turnovers and Tactics: The Difference-Makers
Two successful onside kicks executed by Kinston in the first quarter showed the Vikings weren't merely relying on their offensive firepower; they came with tactical savvy. The Vikings seized the initial momentum, and North Lenoir found themselves trailing 24-8 before they could catch their breath, having had possession just once in the first quarter.
The Coaches' Corner
First-year North Lenoir Head Coach Larry Dale was candid yet optimistic. "I think the name on the front got us in the first couple of possessions, on special teams," he admitted. But Dale's men adjusted, as he emphasized their second-half ethos of "bend but don't break," holding Kinston to just six points in the final two quarters. "Mark this down; this is the class that turned North Lenoir Football around," he declared.
Across the field, Kinston’s Ryan Gieselman sensed the gravity of the win after four straight losses, stating, "It's huge to get back on the winning train." With Kinston teetering at 34 in RPI rankings, a playoff berth may just have become a reality. "If we can lock up this spot right here, it's big for our program," Gieselman noted.
The Weight of History
While Kinston celebrated its highest point tally since a 67-0 win over South Lenoir in 2015, North Lenoir relished a bitter-sweet milestone. Their 42 points were the most scored in a loss since November 11, 2005 — an almost poetic echo of a bygone era.
The Final Curtain?
For North Lenoir, sitting at 2-8, the end of the road likely looms. But in his inaugural year, Coach Dale has ignited a spark that may yet turn into a roaring blaze in seasons to come. Meanwhile, Kinston, now 4-6, eyes a playoff horizon that just weeks ago seemed unreachable.
And so, as we bid adieu to another season, one thing is clear: in the world of Lenoir County football, the best is yet to come.
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