Two teams trying to forge an identity opened the 2026 season Monday at Jones Senior High School. While South Lenoir’s 42-6 victory over the Trojans looked impressive on the scoreboard, it was mostly a work in progress, according to both teams’ head coaches.
Greene Central scored 21 first-quarter points and pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 49-20 season-opening win over North Lenoir. Josh Cetnar accounted for four touchdowns, while Donovan Ingram and Jaylen Wooten turned in big rushing performances.
Eastern Wayne opened the season with a 77-0 shutout of rival Goldsboro, extending its winning streak in the series. The Warriors led 39-0 after the first quarter and got standout performances from Auree Best, Brandon Lark and their defense.
C.B. Aycock forced at least four turnovers and shut out Rosewood 20-0 in the 45th edition of the Little River Rivalry. Devin Lewis scored on a pick-six and a 23-yard reception as the Golden Falcons won their fifth straight matchup in the series.
Goldsboro recorded 28 aces in a three-set sweep of the Saints, winning 25-16, 25-9, 25-13. Taylor Howell led the Cougars with nine aces as Goldsboro improved to 3-1.
Urban Johnson stepped in at quarterback and delivered a six-touchdown performance as Wayne Christian ended Parrott Academy’s five-game winning streak in the series with a 42-7 victory. The Eagles used turnovers and a physical running game to take control by halftime. Read more at Neuse News Sports.
Chris Radford kicks off Neuse News Sports’ new “Catching Up With Local Legends” series with Garrett Byrd, the Snow Hill native and Winthrop University pitcher continuing to build his baseball journey beyond Eastern North Carolina.
Dating back to last season’s finale against Tarboro, the Vikings have won six sets over their past three matches, going 6-5 in sets during that span. It is Kinston’s best three-match stretch in sets won since Oct. 15, 2013.
Behind a 34-point performance from Holloway Summer Jam MVP Amari Edwards, Next Gen defeated the Kinston Huskies 86-81 in the championship game. Kinston High senior Gavin Brock led the Huskies with 33 points.
North Lenoir improved to 3-0 with a four-set win over Greene Central as its young roster continued to build chemistry and confidence early in the season.
Spring Creek has canceled its nonconference football games due to low participation numbers but remains hopeful it can field a team once school begins.