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.”

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 bac

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