Kingston had many fresh feels to the 2023-24 season debut. The ticketing station was upgraded, the away section was renovated and the concession stand was boosted. Although those were great additions, the football team was the main attraction and did not disappoint on opening night as Ethan Goldizen began his head coaching career with a 28-8 victory at home against East Jefferson.

“It’s such a big relief,” Goldizen said. “Before I got this job, I pictured as a head coach getting a win. So, to finally get the jitters out of the way and this done is a big thing off my chest.”

The game started slow for both sides until senior running back Camden Singer took over late in the first quarter. Singer originally had a 30-yard touchdown run called back for a holding penalty. A few plays later, he scored from 20 yards out to make it 7-0.

“Camden is a phenomenal player and kid too,” Goldizen said. “He has aspirations of going to the Navy so he has a great head on his shoulders.”

Afterward, Kingston’s early woes appeared. Kingston failed to capitalize on an interception at midfield halfway through the second quarter.

“I don’t like to put too many negative things on the players because it is on the coaches,” Goldizen said. “There were a lot of things I got messed up with personnel and playcalling.”

Goldizen was penalized a couple of times for being outside the coach’s box while the players were penalized for unsportsmanlike and other penalties after the play ended.

Singer ended the first half with five carries for 45 yards and a touchdown to make it 14-0. East Jefferson looked to turn the momentum with a kick return touchdown and two-point conversion to start the second half.

However, Kingston’s defense held strong for the rest of the game.

“I want to shout out our defensive coordinator because he kept our kids disciplined,” Goldizen said.

Kingston’s Alex Moff picked up an interception in the endzone in the third quarter and the Buccaneers held the Rivals in the final seconds defensively. On the offensive side, Dewaun Swan ran a 21-yard touchdown run and threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Moff.

“That score was fairly impressive but we have a lot of work to do,” Goldizen said. “We are a long way from being a contender in this league.”

New Kingston coach Ethan Goldizen discusses the play with Swan on the sideline.

Kingston’s defense holds East Jefferson to 8 points.