Kinston’s Offense Shines, Records Fall, but Shelby Prevails in 3A Championship
Kinston’s Offense Shines, Records Fall, but Shelby Prevails in 3A Championship
Durham, N.C.— The Kinston Vikings delivered firepower, resilience, and history to Durham County Memorial Stadium in the 3A NCHSAA State Championship, but Shelby quarterback Lan Farmer’s masterclass from a clean pocket ultimately stood between Kinston and a state title.
As the Vikings returned to the championship stage for the first time since 2015, Tyreek Copper etched his name permanently into North Carolina high school football history, setting three all-time single-season records: receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and most consecutive games with a receiving touchdown (17). But while Kinston’s offense continued to strike, Farmer repeatedly took advantage of extended time in the pocket — at times six to seven seconds — to fuel Shelby’s 84–41 victory.
The result set a new NCHSAA state championship record with 125 combined points, eclipsing the previous mark of 117 set in 2019 between Charlotte Vance and Richmond County. It was also a rematch of the 2015 title game, another Shelby win, this time on a night where both offenses operated at full throttle.
Kinston (11–5), the No. 14 seed from the East, showcased its explosive passing identity throughout, while Shelby (13–3), the No. 10 seed from the West, captured its 20th state championship behind overwhelming efficiency and balance.
First-Half Frenzy: Kinston Keeps Pace in Offensive Explosion
Kinston opened strong, driving 66 yards in four plays for an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Jones to Genesis Wiggins. Shelby answered quickly with a 36-yard score to Lorenzo Roseboro, a 28-yard touchdown to Calvin Ramseur, and a 2-yard rush by Farmer to take a 22–7 lead after the first quarter.
The Vikings responded immediately. Jones connected with Copper on a 69-yard strike to cut it to 22–14. After Roseboro’s 42-yard touchdown, Jones and Copper struck again for 52 yards, trimming the margin to 29–21. Jonas Woods added a 14-yard run for Shelby, but Brennan Chambers answered with a 28-yard touchdown reception to make it 35–28.
Farmer hit Immanuel Collins for a 56-yard touchdown, yet Chambers provided one of the game’s signature moments by returning the ensuing kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown, pulling Kinston within 42–35.
Shelby extended the lead before halftime with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Raper and a 50-yard strike to Roseboro. Kinston closed the half with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Michael Eaton to Copper, though a missed extra point left the score at 56–41.
The opening half alone produced 731 combined yards and 11 touchdowns, turning the championship into an instant classic.
Second-Half Dominance: Shelby Pulls Away
Shelby’s defense adjusted after halftime, holding Kinston scoreless over the final two quarters while forcing turnovers and shortening the field. Farmer added a 1-yard rushing touchdown, then found Roseboro for 19 yards and Raper for 25 more. Woods capped the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run.
Kinston’s defense recorded 52 tackles, but was unable to generate consistent pressure, finishing with no sacks and just 3.0 tackles for loss. The lack of disruption allowed Farmer to repeatedly scan the field and attack downfield windows.
Key Individual Performances
Tyler Jones completed 18-of-28 passes for 373 yards and four touchdowns, with Michael Eaton going 1-of-1 for 25 yards and a touchdown in relief. The Vikings finished with 419 total yards and averaged 8.7 yards per play, production that reflected the offense’s growth over the season.
Tyreek Copper capped what stands as the greatest season ever by a wide receiver in North Carolina high school football history. The NC State commit finished the season with 105 receptions, 2,245 receiving yards, and 33 touchdowns, setting state single-season records in all three categories. He also established the all-time mark for consecutive games with a receiving touchdown (17).
In the championship game, Copper added seven receptions for 229 yards and three touchdowns (69, 52, and 25 yards) and was named East Offensive Player of the Game.
Brennan Chambers totaled 103 receiving yards and a touchdown, added 96 kickoff return yards, and electrified the stadium with his 75-yard kickoff return score. Chambers is committed to Marshall.
Genesis Wiggins rushed for 42 yards and adding a receiving score, but Kinston was unable to control tempo defensively enough to let the run game dictate the second half.
Defensively, Jemorris Poole led Kinston with 15 tackles earning East Defensive Player of the Game honors. Isaiah Newton added five tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
For Shelby, Lan Farmer finished 20-of-27 for 459 yards and eight touchdowns, adding two rushing scores and earning Most Valuable Player honors. Lorenzo Roseboro caught four touchdown passes and was named West Offensive Player of the Game, while Kendrick Raper earned West Defensive Player of the Game recognition.
