Seven years ago, North Lenoir packed a program-changing stretch of football into eight days.
There was a blocked extra point with the game on the line, a shutout in a storm-delayed matchup and a kickoff return that delivered the first 5–0 start in school history. For a team coming off an 0–11 season, September 2019 brought a remarkable turnaround.
That run leads this week’s look through the sports archives of Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties, with a few stops just outside the anniversary dates to tell the full story. The original coverage is linked throughout, giving readers a chance to revisit the games and the people who made them memorable
Goldsboro defeated South Lenoir 5-4 on Tuesday in Goldsboro, improving to 3-3. The Cougars won despite South Lenoir holding a 43-23 advantage in shots.
Spring Creek improved to 6-1 with a 6-1 win over South Lenoir on Thursday in Seven Springs. John Cabrera and Christopher Mulenga Miteu scored two goals apiece for the Gators.
A look at where football teams across Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties stand in the latest MaxPreps rankings and NCHSAA RPI following Week 3 of the 2026 season.
South Lenoir controlled both varsity races in a cross country meet featuring Trask and Clinton, sweeping the boys and girls team championships while also producing both individual winners.
With the 2026 fall sports season underway, here is a look at the current records for high school football, volleyball and boys soccer teams across Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.
The standings include Kinston, North Lenoir, South Lenoir, Greene Central, Jones Senior and Bethel Christian Academy. Standings as of 9/1 3:56pm
South Lenoir held off North Lenoir 14-12 in the 63rd Braggin Bowl, using a strong Thursday start and clutch defensive plays Monday to reclaim the trophy and improve to 2-0.
Eastern Wayne made the most of its defensive opportunities Friday night, turning two CB Aycock fumbles into touchdowns in a 14-0 shutout in Pikeville. Zion Evans’ scoop and score proved to be the turning point in a physical game played mostly in the rain. Read more at Neuse News Sports.
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.
