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McKenzie High School’s football team earned its first victory of the 2022 campaign with a 38-22 showing against Class 1A, Region 2 opponent Kinston.

Tigers head coach Ezell Powell called it a group effort for a team that started the season 0-6.

“We finally put that game together where everybody sort of chipped in and did what they were supposed to do. It allowed us to get the win. It was one of those things we’ve struggled with all year long with guys being accountable and disciplined in their assignments, and everybody doing their job collectively to keep from blowing assignments.”

Powell added he was extremely proud of the way his players fought to hang on to the win.

“They didn’t give up,” he said. “There have been times in previous games where we were up at halftime just like we were Friday night, and we ended up still losing the ballgame. It was just one of those things of finally putting it all together and finally getting a win.”

Among the players who reached the end zone for McKenzie included a touchdown pass from Skylar Sanders, a touchdown reception by Jahmarren Jackson, a pair of rushing touchdowns by Bo Sanders, and another touchdown reception, but Powell was unable to recall the player who caught it.

McKenzie will host Houston County on Friday night at 7.

Powell said for his team to finish on a strong note, it must continue to play how it did against Kinston.

“Everybody play together collectively, do your job, and do your assignment on a consistent basis,” he said. “If we do that, we always put ourselves in a position to win a ballgame, and that’s where we want to be. If we execute down the stretch, the outcome will be in our favor.”