Sport: Football Category: Scores & Results

Kinston Bulldogs aim to improve record with deeper roster in 2026

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 1:31 AM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Kinston Bulldogs aim to improve record with deeper roster in 2026

Summary

The Kinston Bulldogs, following a 3-7 season in 2025, prepare for the 2026 football season. Head coach Rudy Free emphasizes the importance of finishing close games, noting that three of their losses were by seven points or fewer. With a larger roster of around 50 players, including a strong core of juniors and seniors, the Bulldogs aim to address previous weaknesses linked to fatigue. The team will face a tough regional schedule that includes new competitors like Abbeville and Samson. The season opener is set for August 21 against Zion Chapel.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Kinston finished 2025 with a 3-7 record, struggling in close games.
•Head coach Rudy Free believes fatigue impacted game outcomes last season.
•Bulldogs to dress about 50 players, a notable increase in roster depth.
•Junior quarterback John Simmons will lead the offense again in 2026.
•Kinston opens the season on August 21 against Zion Chapel.

Latest Updates

1:31 AMYahoo Sports — Extra Point Preview: Bulldogs look to close out games in 2026

What they're saying

"
KINSTON, Ala. (WDHN)—If you just look at their overall record, the Kinston Bulldogs simply had a disappointing 2025 season after finishing 3-7. But in all actuality, that record doesn’t tell the full story of that team’s season and their performance. Of their seven losses, three came in matchups that ended with a seven-point deficit or […]
— Yahoo Sports

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