🏈 Kinston High Vikings: Underdogs Storm the 3A State Championship

“From underdogs to headline‑makers — the Kinston High Vikings are rewriting history this weekend.”

Tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Durham County Memorial Stadium, the Vikings face Shelby High for the 3A state championship.

Senior wide receiver Tyreek Cooper (#5) has shattered records with 30 touchdown catches this season and 16 straight games with a score. He’s graduating early and heading to NC State in January 2026.

Quarterback Tyler Powell has been the steady leader, spreading the ball and keeping the offense balanced. On defense, the Vikings’ secondary has forced key turnovers, shutting down higher‑seeded opponents.

Seeded 14th, Kinston wasn’t supposed to be here. But after a 30–7 rout in the East Region final, they’ve become the Cinderella team everyone’s watching.

“From Kinston to the Nation — Cooper catches history, one touchdown at a time.

“Tomorrow, the Vikings don’t just play for a trophy — they play for pride, for community, and for the storybook ending every underdog dreams of.”