Kinston’s Dynamic Duo: Tyler Jones and Tyreek Copper Torch Records
Kinston’s Dynamic Duo: Tyler Jones and Tyreek Copper Torch Records, Eye State Title Run
*All records are from the 2023 NCHSAA Record Book. The most updated version.
KINTSON, N.C. — The scoreboard at North Moore High last Friday night told only part of the story. Seven touchdowns for Tyler Jones. Another 150-plus yards and multiple scores for Tyreek Copper. A 53-7 first-round playoff rout. But flip open the NCHSAA record book, and the real fireworks begin.
In a state where high school football is religion, Kinston’s senior quarterback-receiver battery is writing scripture—one bomb, one cut, one record at a time.
Tyler Jones: The Record-Smashing Gunslinger
Eleven games. 187 completions. 275 attempts. 3,196 passing yards. 42 touchdowns. 8 interceptions. A completion percentage of 68%—good for 8th all-time in North Carolina for a single season (min. 275 attempts).
His 42 touchdown passes sit just outside the top 20 all-time in a season. His 6265 career yards are top-50 all-time and (2025) 3,196 yards are knocking on the door of the top 100 single-season marks in state history.
And then there’s the 7-touchdown game against North Moore—tied for 10th all-time in North Carolina.
Just a week earlier, Jones shattered Kinston’s single-game passing record with 441 yards on 27-of-39 passing, 5 TDs, and 1 INT against Tarboro.
This season alone:
5 games with 300+ passing yards
5 games with 5+ touchdown passes
46 total touchdowns responsible for (42 pass, 4 rush)
He leads ALL classifications in passing yards (3,196) and passing TDs (42). Second place? A distant 2,776 yards and 36 TDs.
Career-wise, in just 25 starts:
408-for-657, 6,265 yards, 74 TDs, 20 INTs
105 rushes, –214 yards, 6 TDs
“It’s just fun having something to try to achieve every week,” Jones said after tying Quron Ross’ school-record 7 TDs. “Honestly, not even trying to achieve it every week—just in a moment in the game, you’re like, ‘Oh crap, I’m kind of close.’ So it’s kind of fun having stuff to look forward to and strive to be.”
Tyreek Copper: The Unstoppable Record Collector
If Jones is the trigger, Copper is the bullet.
77 receptions. 1,677 yards. 24 touchdowns. In 11 games.
That’s #1 in North Carolina across all classifications in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. Nationally? 4th in receiving yards.
He’s the only wide receiver in the state’s top 25 in total touchdowns (13th).
Season highlights:
9 games with 115+ receiving yards
8 consecutive games with 115+ yards
8 consecutive games with 2+ touchdown catches
12 straight games with a TD reception—tied for 3rd all-time in NC
His 1,677 yards this season rank 14th all-time in a single season. His 24 TD catches are tied for 6th all-time in a season.
Career (46 games, 4-year starter):
248 receptions — 6th all-time in NC (#5 is 255)
4,325 yards — broke into top 5 all-time last week
57 touchdown catches — 5th all-time in North Carolina
He owns every Kinston receiving record—and then some.
The Questions That Matter
We sat down with Copper after the North Moore game. His answers? Pure fire.
Q: 5th all-time in the state in career receiving yards—how much does that mean to you? Copper: “It means a lot to me. I think it just shows all of the work that I’ve put in over the years. All glory to God though for blessing me with the opportunity and people around me to accomplish this.”
Q: By far the best WR to come through Kinston—is that something you value? Copper: “Yes sir, it’s something that I value. It makes me feel good knowing that I’ll be remembered in my community for accomplishing these things on the field.”
Q: Are these records possible to break? Copper: “I think these records are possible to break but you just have to have a lot of things fall in line besides your talent—like the right coaching staff, the quarterback, and unselfish teammates that want to see you succeed.”
Q: Is it any question if you’re the best WR in NC? Best player in NC—all positions? Copper: “There’s a lot of great players, let alone receivers in NC…but I know the work I’ve put in and I can say confidently that I’m the best PLAYER in NC.”
The Brotherhood
They’ve known each other since they were 8 years old. Played on the same youth teams. Dreamed the same dreams.
Now, they’re making them real.
“His confidence, his swagger is different.” — Tyreek Copper on Tyler Jones
“So I stay neutral with Tyler. Like when he played a real good game, I got his back. When he plays a not-so-good game, I still got his back. Because at the end of the day, it’s bigger than football with me and Tyler.” — Tyreek Copper
Jones helped Copper climb to 5th all-time in career receiving yards last week. Copper’s been Jones’ security blanket on third downs, in the red zone, and in record-breaking moments.
What’s Next?
Kinston (7-4) travel to (8-2) Midway in the second round this Friday. With a win, four more games stand between them and a 3A state championship—and a shot at the record books.
If Jones throws for 304 more yards, he cracks the top 100 single-season passing yardage marks all-time in NC. If Copper grabs 8 more catches, he ties for 5th all-time in career receptions. If either hits one more milestone, the NCHSAA record book gets another update.
The Legacy
This isn’t just about stats. It’s about two kids who refused to be average. Who turned a small-town program into a record-breaking machine. Who play for each other, not just the highlights.
Tyler Jones doesn’t just throw touchdown passes—he creates history. Tyreek Copper doesn’t just catch balls—he owns the sky.
And with five games left, the story isn’t finished.
It’s just getting legendary.
