East Duplin Overpowers Kinston
In a match-up featuring defending 2A state champions East Duplin, the Kinston Vikings fell short in their quest for a second conference win, plagued by turnovers and defensive lapses.
Kinston's initial drive foreshadowed a difficult night as quarterback Qurron Ross threw a pick-six, putting East Duplin ahead 7-0. On the Vikings' subsequent possession, Ross fumbled, allowing East Duplin to recover and score, extending their lead to 14-0.
Though the Vikings rallied late in the first quarter, it was too little, too late. Ross found A.C. Simmons for a 25-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 14-7. However, the Kinston defense struggled to contain East Duplin's offense, which easily navigated the field on each possession.
Ross's night was riddled with errors, including four interceptions—two of which were pick-sixes—and another fumble. Kinston's offense failed to counter East Duplin's stifling defense.
Coach Ryan Gieslman reflected on the Vikings' performance, saying, "It's a physicality that we thought somewhat we saw last week at South Lenoir. But it's a whole different brand at East Duplin, and an eye-opener. We just have to respond next week when we go to Southwest Onslow."
Kinston will look to bounce back in their upcoming game against Southwest Onslow, as the quest for playoff seeding continues.
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