Kinston returned to the state championship stage for the first time in a decade, watched Tyreek Copper deliver the greatest receiving season in North Carolina history, and pushed the scoreboard into the record books — but Shelby’s quarterback had just enough time and firepower to turn a historic night into a heartbreaking one.

In this column, Trey Scott reflects on his journey from rivalry to respect, and how Kinston head coach Ryan Gieselman’s long-term vision and relentless work have led the Vikings to the doorstep of a state championship.

After a 3–3 start, Kinston made key offensive line changes that fueled an 8–1 surge to the state championship game — a reminder that superheroes don’t wear capes, they line up in the trenches.

Kinston’s journey to the state championship is the story of a relentless, blue-collar defense that crushed five straight playoff offenses, held every contender far below its season averages, and forged an identity ready to challenge 12-time champion Shelby.

GCMS improved to 4-1 (4-0 conference) with a 45-27 win over Chicod, pulling away late after a tight game behind strong performances from Kam Jones and Josiah Joyner.

A packed week of local sports features NNS live shows, key basketball and wrestling matchups across the county, and Kinston’s 3A State Championship showdown with Shelby on Saturday.

Brennan Chambers, a former basketball-first athlete turned standout 6'5 receiver, has emerged as a Marshall signee and one-half of one of North Carolina’s top receiving duos while leading Kinston to the state championship in just his second year ever playing football.

Check out our NNS guy’s five takes from a night where Kinston outmuscled James Kenan, controlled the trenches, and delivered a statement playoff upset.

Kinston football shocks the state by dominating James Kenan 30-7 on the road, ending decades of heartbreak, snapping the Tigers’ 14-game home win streak, and punching the program’s first state championship ticket since 2015.

Greene Central surged past North Lenoir 52–36 behind Azaria Mumford’s 15 points, An’Nysha Wooten’s 10-point double-double, and Janiyah Sutton’s nine-steal defensive performance to move to 2–0 on the season.

Greene Central dominated the boards, leaned on a balanced attack led by DJ Williams and Josh Cetnar, and completed a season sweep of North Lenoir with a 65–49 road win to improve to 2–0.

GCMS rolled past Bethel 53–21 as all 15 players scored, improving to 3–1 and 3–0 in conference play with Coach Steven Christie praising the team’s growth, depth, and upcoming boost from soon-to-return Nathan Ross.

South Lenoir senior Gage Howard, a .401 career hitter known for his relentless work ethic, has officially signed to continue his baseball career at the University of Mount Olive.

A full week of coverage features NNS Live shows, key basketball matchups across the county, multiple wrestling events, and Friday night football as Kinston visits James Kenan, capped by a packed Saturday slate including the Pierce-Davis Invitational.

Goldsboro High School hosted a competitive four-team wrestling quad Thursday featuring the Cougars, Eastern Wayne, Greene Central, and North Lenoir. Greene Central dominated the night with a 3–0 sweep, while North Lenoir showcased several standout individual performances despite a challenging slate.

Greene Central seized control with an early run and a high-energy, highlight-filled third quarter to defeat North Lenoir 84–48 in their rivalry matchup, despite strong efforts from the Hawks’ scoring trio.

Greene Central held off a fierce North Lenoir rally in a whistle-heavy rivalry battle, winning 41–37 behind senior defense and late scoring while the Hawks fought through foul trouble and big second-half shots.

North Lenoir is proud to announce that seniors Maddox Smith — All-State, All-Region Southeast, and Three Rivers 4A Conference Player of the Year — and Nery Aguilar — All-Region — have earned major postseason honors following historic careers.