As Kinston closed its football season in a 28-21 loss to Currituck County Friday, first-year coach Ryan Gieselman also finished his debut with the Vikings.
Taking over for the departing Nick Anderson this season, Gieselman led Kinston to a 7-6 overall record, winning four games in the Eastern Carolina 2A conference.
Though 19 seniors depart the roster, Kinston had several young guys step up this season.
Sophomore quarterback Thomas Vermillion had a big game when Kinston beat South Lenoir.
Junior Daequan Carr recovered a fumble to score and get the Vikings a win in the first round of the playoffs last week.
Sophomore Tavon Herns was a leading rusher for the Vikings this season, having 120 yards as the Knights eliminated Kinston from the NCHSAA 2AA state playoffs Friday.
“I felt really good (about the playoff run),” said Herns, who scored on Kinston’s opening drive Friday, “but right now, we have to come back next year with a better season.
“We have to step it up and try to help get a ring for these seniors that didn’t get one in their last year.”
Among the many seniors exiting the team are captains Donathan Bryant, Raheem Freeland, Javon Baylor and Tiquan Canady.
Canady passed for 190 yards and a touchdown Friday, also rushing one in.
“We had a good run, but I felt like we could have went farther,” said Canady, a four-year varsity player. “I enjoyed all four years, been to the playoffs all four years, the coaches were great; it’s just a fun football team to play with, (and) I enjoyed my time here.”
Gieselman gathered his team for a somber post-game address behind a Currituck goal post Friday. He said the offense and defense were effective as the Vikings ran out of time.
“Your seniors are down, and it’s tough,” he said. “They left it on the field tonight, exactly what I wanted them to do.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
