Vikings Fall to Falcons 34-7 to Open 2024 Season
Photo by: Ulyses Ortega
The Kinston High Vikings hosted and lost to the South Central Falcons 34-7 on Friday night in Kinston, NC, to open their 2024 season. This was a rematch of last year’s opener, and for the second consecutive year, the Vikings found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard.
The Vikings got off to a hot start by scoring on their first play from scrimmage in the very young season. #5 Alex Moore connected with #0 Okie Edwards for a 61-yard touchdown on a wide receiver sweep pass. However, turnovers, costly penalties, and blown coverages would be the downfall for the Vikings in the game.
The Vikings were trailing at halftime 14-7 but could never get any momentum going through the air or on the ground to help fight back in the game. One of the many new faces in the Kinston program, QB #1 Tyler Jones, played a steady game but often found himself being picked up by teammates after what seemed to be Falcons pressure every time the QB dropped back to pass. Jones went 13/25 in the game, accumulating 147 passing yards. He was also sacked eight times during the contest. On the ground, senior RB #6 Jeremiah Hart rushed the ball twelve times for 56 yards. Junior WR #2 Tyreek Copper led the Vikings with six catches and 55 yards receiving.
Vikings head coach Ryan Gieselman was very blunt in how he thought practice would go next week after the loss. “We are going to be big on discipline. Way too many penalties and shooting ourselves in the foot,” Gieselman said.
The Vikings will not have long to linger on this loss as they will travel to Snow Hill next Friday to face a Rams team coming off of a big win against North Lenoir. “We have a lot to work on this week, and all eyes are on Greene Central,” Gieselman said confidently to close out his comments.
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