Kinston High: Fast and Furious
Photos captured by: William Hardy
Kinston Vikings: Fast and Furious
Kinston High School's football team has maintained 15 consecutive winning seasons since 2007, and under Coach Ryan Geisleman, they have never experienced a losing season. Last year's squad went 6-5, competing in the same conference as state champions East Duplin and multi-state champions Wallace Rose Hill. Despite the graduation of star running back Antwon Giggets and the need to replace starting quarterback Messiah Semndaia and starting WR Michael Whitfield, Coach Geisleman continues to assemble a strong staff and team. Though this year's team is young, their potential to score at any moment makes them a dangerous opponent. The Vikings face an uphill battle in their conference, but their track record suggests they are up to the challenge.
Head Coach Ryan Gieselman: Building a Winning Culture
Summary: Coach Gieselman discusses his coaching philosophy, emphasizing character development, discipline, and the importance of academics. He reflects on the team's growth and the challenges of the upcoming season, expressing confidence in the young players.
Quote: "We're going to be young, but we're going to be fast, we're going to be athletic... We're going to be disciplined, we're going to do things the right way."
Coach Bud Vinson: Young but Fast Defense
Summary: Coach Vinson provides insight into the young but fast defense, highlighting the team's speed and the importance of letting athletes play to their strengths. He expresses confidence in their abilities and potential.
Quote: "We're going to be super young... but we don't look like that, we don't play like that... we're going to use our speed to our advantage."
Coach Corey Bryant: A Passion for Kinston
Summary: Coach Corey Bryant, who has been coaching for 20 years, reflects on his passion for the game and how it led him to coaching after his return from the military. He emphasizes the influence of great mentors in his life and his connection to Kinston, having played for the team himself. Coach Bryant talks about the deep pride and priority he feels for Kinston, taking wins and losses to heart. He praises Head Coach Gieselman, describing him as a player's coach who allows his staff to work within the game plan, and he expresses great respect for Gieselman's leadership.
Quote: “I grew up with some great mentors, my dad was my coach growing up, Yogi Bryant, and mentors like Skeet Davis. I just want to be a part of the game since my playing days was over” Bryant speaks on what led him to coach.
Sophomore Tyreek Copper: Rising Star
Summary: Tyreek Copper, a sophomore at Kinston, discusses his transition from basketball to football, where he now considers himself primarily a football player. He talks about being trained by his father, Terrance Copper, a former NFL player, and how his father's guidance has helped him get noticed by colleges. Tyreek emphasizes the hard work and opportunities his father provides, not just for him but for other young athletes as well. He reflects on his experience as a starter in his freshman year and his readiness to take on a leadership role in the upcoming season.a
Quote: “Coming into the year, I kind of figured that I could be one of the leaders and I've been adjusting very well… I think I've been I stepping up.”
Senior Jamear Flowers: From Basketball to Football
Summary: Jamear Flowers reflects on his transition from basketball to football and his growing love for the game. He talks about stepping into a leadership role and strongly disagrees with Kinston's projection as fourth in the conference.
Quote: "Definitely, I can tell you that, we might not be first, but we ain't fourth. Definitely not fourth”
Sophomore Ex'Zavion Croom: Slash
Summary: Ex'Zavion Croom discusses his love for football and the significant influence his father has had on his game. He's ready to take on a bigger role, expressing confidence in his speed and determination to make a name for himself.
Quote: "Last year I really couldn’t show what I had in my bag but this year I'll make sure everybody know my name."
Adonius Newborn-Williams: Senior Leader
Summary: Adonis "Newborn" Williams, a senior lineman at Kinston, reflects on his growth as a football player and the influence of community coaches in shaping him. He emphasizes the importance of his senior leadership in guiding the younger players and preparing them for future roles. Adonis takes pride in being a senior leader and is motivated by Kinston's projection as fourth in the conference, seeing it as an opportunity to prove doubters wrong.
Quote: (Preseason rankings) “That’s motivation for real!… but you gotta go in there and show them what we can do.”
Outlook:
OFFENSE— Kinston's offense is adapting to suit their personnel, but they will continue to employ the spread offense, distributing the ball to various playmakers. Quarterback Qurron Ross has demonstrated precision and accuracy this preseason, and senior Kayvon Freeman, a returning big man, will anchor the offensive line.
While the running back position is still seeking a standout leader, the receiving core is arguably the best in the area. Tyreek Copper's all-around ability establishes him as a top receiver, capable of executing short, mid, or deep plays, and even turning screens into touchdowns. Senior Jamear Flowers brings unmatched athleticism and strength, with homerun capabilities, such as last year's 98-yard catch against Ayden-Grifton. AC Simmons and Ex'Zavion Croom may be the sleepers of the offense, but they are poised to make significant contributions. Overall, Kinston's offense is explosive, promising, and just beginning to reveal its potential.
DEFENSE— On defense, the Vikings are well-positioned in the secondary, returning all key players. However, they face the challenge of replacing substantial contributors like Tyreke Freeman, Isaiah Williams, and linebackers Emari Keller and Chris Miller. Koraun Humphrey, who started last season as a sophomore and captured four interceptions, will be a player to watch, along with senior Tijah Hicks, who had two interceptions and led the team with five pass deflections. Ex'Zavion Croom, who saw starting time as a freshman in the defensive backfield, adds to the strength of the unit. While the Vikings' backend should rank among the best in the area, the front seven will be looking for emerging playmakers to fill the void left by the departing veterans. The success of the defense may hinge on how quickly these new contributors can step up and make an impact.
In conclusion:
The Vikings are entering the season with a young but highly dangerous roster. As Head Coach Gieselman has noted, they will be youthful, fast, and committed to playing the game the right way. Despite the graduation of many star players, Gieselman's successful coaching formula remains firmly imprinted on the team. His influence and the emerging talent within the squad make the young Vikings an exciting team to watch. Expect them to bring energy, skill, and unpredictability to the field.
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