Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The McKenzie Tigers bounced back from last week’s loss to stamp out Kinston 46-19 on Friday night during the team’s senior night game. During the momentous night, the Tiger’s revived the team’s former rally cry “Stomp City” in a display of pride for the team’s season and hard work. 

McKenzie High School Principal Michael Collins explained that the “Stomp City” sign was once on display, but was taken down years ago out of embarrassment, as he said victories were few and far between. Collins recalled that when he saw the “Stomp City” sign in the back of Greg Griffin’s barn, he knew it was time to bring it back home to McKenzie’s stadium.  

“‘Stomp City’ has nothing to do with winning or losing, but it’s about the player’s attitude, protecting our house and letting others know that win or lose, you may walk into Williams Vickey but you’re gonna limp out!” Collins said. “These boys left it all on the field this year, I’m so proud of these seniors for laying the foundation of great things to come and reminding us what ‘Stomp City’ is all about!”

McKenzie quarterback No. 2 Jaylen McMillian made five touchdown passes in the game including a 40-yard pass, a 35-yard completion to No. 11 Jay Jackson, a 4-yard pass to No. 1 Skylar Sanders, another 38-yard pass to Jackson and a 72-yard touchdown pass to No. 10 Clayton Martin. Running back No. 8 Jayden McMillian completed a 58-yard touchdown run, and No. 7 Jonathan Davison got in the end zone on a 5-yard run.  

Mckenzie head coach Brian Bradford said the game was a great way to send the seniors out on their senior night. 

“They are a great bunch of players and have done a tremendous job with the turn-around of this season and program,” Bradford said. “Now we start a two-game road trip. We will continue to work on our fundamentals and focus on being the best team that we can be. We have made some strides but we still have a long way to go to reach our full potential.”

The Tigers will travel to play Houston County on Oct. 27.