Southwest High School

10/5/24
Complete Game Coverage: SWO - 17. Kinston - 26.

Final: SWO - 17. Kinston - 26.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but hyperlinks are not working. You will need to copy-and-paste the URL in order to access the photos and videos.

Photos (courtesy of Kay McCloskey): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7p2n2ukcegkmlvt037nhk/ACTwCOFMsK5dZ2HK1IwLVTA?rlkey=qvxz5ri8s0qsbx5vncuyomdxa&st=is4kwjxq&dl=0

Stallion Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7fviP6yQEE

Life isn't fair. We all know it. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life. And that fact was emphasized to the Stallions on Friday evening as FANTASTIC effort and execution were not rewarded. After leading for roughly 90% of the game, the Stallions ultimately succombed to the high-flying passing attack of the Kinston Vikings. The final score was 26-17 in favor of the Vikings but the competitiveness was MUCH closer.

Sometimes you don't play well and, to be honest, you deserve to lose. That was pretty much the case last week vs. N. Lenoir.

Other times, however, you do everything well (play hard; play smart; play together; execute) and come up short. Friday night, the Stallions deserved to win vs. Kinston. In my opinion, it was our best played game of the season to date.

This was my first visit to Kinston High School and I learned a few things:

It has an unusually small press box for a bigger-than-average football stadium. Our WJVC radio team (Billy & Melvin) were forced to broadcast from the visitor's bleachers. That's just bizarre to me.

For a "city" school, they sure do have a bunch of mosquitoes! I expect mosquitoes in some of the more rural areas, but not barely outside of downtown Kinston. Thank you Tammy Whitehead for supplying some much needed bug spray!

The Kinston QB has the best arm I have seen all season. The kid can throw the football! I was impressed with his arm strength and poise.

Whoever is in charge of the music broadcast over the PA system during warmups (and throughout the game) needs to be replaced ASAP! Blasting unedited, vulgar, and offensive rap songs is simply not acceptable at a high school football game in my opinion. Now I'm no saint by any stretch of the imagination and a foul word may slip off my tongue every once in a while, but this was way over-the-top. Just my opinion. Sorry for the rant.

Game Observations:

After experimenting with multiple offensive sets throughout the season, the Stallions seem to have settled in and become comfortable with the current package. Still heavily run-oriented but incorporating enough passing to keep the defense honest.

We have a true weapon in kicker Dany Santos! He is doing a fantastic job with his punts, kickoffs, and placekicking. Santos kicked a 41 FG just before halftime to put the Stallions up 10-6.

Tyler Randolph put on a show and played his heart out. The senior was electrifying as was evident on his 36 yard Pick 6 interception in the 3rd quarter. Randolph took some vicious hits throughout the game and kept coming back for more. The kid has heart!

The Stallion defense played outstanding throughout the game. It's just a shame that Kinston was able to connect on a few long passes (for TDs) because we otherwise held them in check. Just a week ago, this Kinston offense put up 52 points vs. East Duplin.

Game Synopsis:

SWO receives the opening kickoff and puts together a very impressive drive (all on the ground). Sr. RB does the honors with a 4 yard TD burst putting the Stallions up 7-0 (Q1 6:29)

To open Q2, the Stallions execute another nice drive that stalls at the Kinston 23 yard line. Santo 40 yard FG attempt comes up just short.

Kinston hits a 75 yard TD bomb for TD. PAT is blocked so SWO still leads 7-6 (Q2 6:47)

At the first half draws to a close, the Stallions reach the Vikings' 24 yard line. From there, Santos connects on a 41 FG to create a 10-6 lead for SWO at the break.

Kinston received the 3rd qtr kickoff. The Stallion DBs deflect a Viking pass that was hauled in by Tyler Randolph for an electrifying 36 yard Pick 6 TD! SWO on top 17-6 (Q3 10:30)

Kinston responds with a clutch drive converting multiple 3rd down attempts. Viking TD and 2-pt conversion bring the score to SWO 17. Kin 14. (Q3 5:15)

Midway through Q4, Kinston begins a time consuming drive that results in another TD giving the Vikings their first lead at 20-17 (Q4 4:17)

SWO drives to Kin 40 but turns it over on 4th and 3 with 1:47 remaining.

Kinston hits late TD pass to push the final margin to 26-17.

The Stallions return to The Corral next Friday night to face S. Lenoir.

GO STALLIONS!!!

#OnceaStallionAlwaysaStallion