3A Shelby vs Kinston Top Performers to watch

The Shelby vs. Kinston 3A State Championship at Durham Memorial Stadium features two programs loaded with Power-4 talent. Both teams bring high-level quarterback play, dynamic skill players, and defenses capable of taking over a game. This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic — elite athletes, big-game experience, and two fanbases hungry for a title.    [player_tooltip player_id='1099168' first='Lan' last='Farmer'], the No. 6–rated QB in North Carolina, is a monster of a man operating under center at the high-school level. The senior was nearly flawless in the semifinals, completing 11 of 15 passes for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 83 tough yards on the ground. His blend of size, poise, and playmaking ability continues to separate him as one of the most dominant offensive forces in the state.     [player_tooltip player_id='1905611' first='Jonas' last='Woods'], the freshman phenom, could be the true X-factor in this matchup. He's coming off a breakout semifinal performance where he racked up 144 yards and punched in 2 scores, proving he's more than ready for the big stage.     [player_tooltip player_id='483642' first='Immanuel' last='Collins'], Shelby's big-time junior receiver, delivered again last week and has firmly established himself as the go-to threat on the perimeter. He finished with a strong 4 catches for 75 yards, showing reliable hands, crisp route running, and the ability to win in key moments. He's become the guy in their passing game.     [player_tooltip player_id='2078249' first='Landon' last='Hollifield'], the junior linebacker, is a true sideline-to-sideline defender who impacts every phase of the game. He'll clog passing lanes all night and trigger downhill in the run with force. Last week he racked up 11 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, showing exactly why he's one of Shelby's defensive anchors.     [player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones'] was nearly flawless in the semifinal win over James Kenan. He's not a major threat on the ground, but from the pocket he can make every throw on the field. If his offensive line gives him time, Jones has the arm talent and rhythm to clear 300+ yards without blinking.     Genesis Wiggins is an upright-style runner who can hurt defenses in multiple ways. He's a threat in the screen game, dangerous on jet sweeps, and tough enough to grind between the tackles. With Kinston's big-time passing attack stretching the field, Wiggins should have plenty of space underneath to eat up yards and keep the chains moving.     Christian Ham, Kinston's senior linebacker, will have to be huge in the run game for them to pull off the win. Shelby rushed for nearly 300 yards last week — with close to 100 coming from the quarterback — so Ham's ability to trigger downhill, fill gaps, and finish tackles will be essential. If Kinston is going to slow this offense, Ham has to show up early and often.     [player_tooltip player_id='2047969' first='Jemorris' last='Poole'] came up big in the run game last week, but Saturday he'll need to make his presence felt in pass coverage. Shelby brings a well-balanced attack, and Poole must be the enforcer on the back end — tackling in space, closing windows, and preventing explosive plays. His versatility will be critical to Kinston's defensive success.

The Shelby vs. Kinston 3A State Championship at Durham Memorial Stadium features two programs loaded with Power-4 talent. Both teams bring high-level quarterback play, dynamic skill players, and defenses capable of taking over a game. This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic — elite athletes, big-game experience, and two fanbases hungry for a title.