KINGS MOUNTAIN -- For the fifth time in seven seasons, the Battle of Buffalo Creek belongs to those clad in black and gold.
Kings Mountain opened its 2025 campaign by taking a 30-14 win over Shelby in the 102nd meeting between the Cleveland County rivals.
"It's hard to ask young kids to (perform at a high level) who don't have much experience," said Kings Mountain football coach Strait Herron. "But I think they handled it well for the most part. There were some mistakes that young kids make, but playing games like this can only help them as we move further down the road."
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One of those was sophomore quarterback K.J. Bell, who rebounded from an early interception to throw a pair of touchdown passes, connecting with Isaiah Branch and Boston College recruit William Vaughn. Senior running back Jarlon Drye also ran for two touchdowns.
However, a Kings Mountain defense with a bevy of inexperienced personnel made life hard for quarterback Lan Farner and the Shelby offense, setting the tone with a safety on the game's first series. The unit also forced Golden Lion turnovers on three straight drives in the second half, flipping the game in Kings Mountain's favor.
Shelby finished with fewer than 150 passing yards in the game.
"Our (defensive) front did a really good job," Herron said. Our secondary, broke down a couple times, which is stuff we got to get fixed. But that's why we practice, and we'll get better with time."
Shelby is also concerned about Farmer's health, the Golden Lion signal caller seen limping to the team bus after sustaining a lower leg injury in the second half of Friday's game. Shelby coach Mike Wilbanks said he'd have more answers to the severity of his injury after Farmer is evaluated over the weekend.
No rest for the weary, though, as Shelby (0-1) hosts rival Crest in Week 2. Meanwhile, Kings Mountain (1-0) travels to Lawndale where it'll match wits with Burns.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: NCHSAA football: Kings Mountain shuts down Shelby in 2025 opener