Kinston JV Defeats Hawks 28-22 in 4OT

The Kinston Vikings secured a dramatic 28-22 victory over their crosstown rivals, the North Lenoir Hawks, in a game that extended into a staggering four overtimes, closing out their season on home soil. From the outset, the energy on the field signaled to coaches, players, family, and friends that they were in for a nail-biter between the Hawks and Vikings.

Quarterback Justin Gooding got things rolling for Kinston, connecting with Emmanuel Sutton for the game’s first touchdown, putting the Vikings up 6-0. Not to be outdone, the Hawks swiftly responded on the subsequent drive, flipping the scoreboard to lead 8-6. Capitalizing on a three-and-out forced by their defense, the Hawks broke away for a 90-yard TD dash to enter halftime with a 14-6 advantage.

Receiving the kickoff to start the second half, the Hawks were immediately stifled by a resurgent Kinston defense, forced into a three-and-out. Seizing the moment, the Vikings tied the contest at 14-14 with a 19-yard touchdown run. Kinston’s second-half demeanor was as if they had led the entire game; their resiliency was on full display, holding the Hawks scoreless until the fourth overtime.

At the end of regulation, both teams were knotted at 14-14. Overtime was marred by a collective three turnovers, but it was Kinston who broke the deadlock. A game-winning interception by a Vikings’ defensive back in the fourth overtime clinched the 28-22 win, cementing their victory.