A strong defensive stand as multiple James Kenan Tigers combine for a big tackle against a Kinston runner. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
Tigers fall during East Regional Round of the 3A State Championship
The stage was set in Warsaw as the top-seeded James Kenan Tigers (12–1) hosted the 14-seeded Kinston Vikings (10–4) in a long-anticipated matchup fueled by old conference rivalries. With home field advantage and a self-proclaimed name for the night “The Battle in Warsaw” the Tigers aimed to defend their turf, while the Vikings arrived ready to upset the bracket.
First Quarter: A Defensive Standoff
The opening quarter set the tone for a physical battle. After an out of bounds kickoff and a re-kick, Kinston began at their own 35-yard line but immediately ran into trouble. A strong stop by Tigers’ defender No. 9 Cal Avent forced an early fourth down and a Vikings punt.
James Kenan took over deep at their own 12-yard line. A few short runs by No. 0 Taulil Pearsall and No. 3 Jeremiah Hall weren’t enough to move the chains, leading to a Tigers punt. Kinston responded with a promising pass to No. 2 Tyreek Cooper for a first down, but momentum stalled quickly after a big defensive play by No. 3 Jeremiah Hall of the Tigers.
With the ball at the 27-yard line, James Kenan’s quarterback No. 11 Eli Avent broke free for a crucial first down on a keeper only to lose the ball on a fumble, handing possession right back to the Vikings. Kinston QB No. 3 Tyler Jones attempted a deep pass to No. 5 Brennan Chambers but it wasn’t enough, and another punt ended the drive.
End of First Quarter: 0–0
Second Quarter: Vikings Strike, Tigers Answer
The second quarter opened with Tigers running back No. 0 Taulil Pearsall picking up five yards, but another fumble by James Kenan gave Kinston renewed life. A defensive pass-interference call moved the Vikings forward, though a false start backed them up moments later.
Both teams exchanged penalties before Kinston finally broke the stalemate, scoring the first touchdown of the night at the 7:55 mark.
Vikings lead 7–0.
The Tigers answered methodically. A series of productive plays including an 11-yard completion from QB No. 11 Eli Avent to No. 9 Cal Avent and a big run by No. 3 Jeremiah Hall moved them deep into the red zone. The Vikings’ penalty on fourth down granted James Kenan first and goal. Moments later, No. 3 Jeremiah Hall powered into the end zone with 1:44 left. The PAT was good.
Score tied 7–7.
But Kinston wasn’t done. A huge catch by No. 2 Tyreek Cooper brought the Vikings inside the 20, and with just 14.9 seconds remaining, they struck again No. 2 Tyreek Cooper hauling in another touchdown, followed by a successful two-point try.
Halftime: Kinston 15, James Kenan 7
Third Quarter: Vikings Extend Their Lead
James Kenan opened the second half with another strong run by No. 3 Jeremiah Hall, but the drive stalled, ending in a turnover on downs. A Vikings holding penalty pushed them back to 1st and 18, but they quickly regained ground with a 20-yard pass. A hard hit by No. 55 Alex Vasquez slowed them temporarily, but Kinston continued to move the chains with a completion to No. 2 Tyreek Cooper.
Facing fourth down, the Vikings’ pass was broken up, resulting in a turnover on downs. The Tigers attempted to convert a field-position opportunity near the 7-yard line, but despite short gains from No. 11 Eli Avent and No. 3 Jeremiah Hall, they couldn’t reach the first down marker. Kinston QB No. 3 Tyler Jones regained possession and responded with a pass to No. 5 Brennan Chambers, followed shortly by another touchdown at the 1:14 mark. Vikings lead grows to 22–7. A short pass closed out the quarter for the Tigers.
End of Third Quarter: Kinston 22, James Kenan 7
Fourth Quarter: Vikings Seal the Victory
The Tigers opened the final quarter with a short run by No. 3 Jeremiah Hall, but their punt attempt was blocked and recovered for a safety at 11:43, increasing Kinston’s lead to 22–7.
The Vikings continued to attack, mixing passing plays while the Tigers’ defense fought to hold the line highlighted by a big hit from No. 12 Stedman Mciver. But Kinston’s offense was relentless, pushing inside the 20 before punching in another touchdown at the 8:02 mark. Kinston extends the lead to 30–7.
From there, the Vikings controlled the tempo, preserving their advantage and completing a dominant second-half performance.
Final: Kinston Vikings 30, James Kenan Tigers 7
