Moore County Kick-Off Classic returns Friday night
The fourth annual Moore County Kick-Off Classic takes place Friday, Aug. 14, giving fans their first look at three Moore County football teams before the regular season begins Aug. 21.
For the fans, it’s a chance to see what their teams will bring to the field this fall. For the teams, it’s an opportunity to work out any kinks before the games start counting.
Gates at John Williams Athletic Complex will open at 5 p.m., with the first scrimmage scheduled for 6 p.m.
Union Pines vs. Richmond — 6 p.m.
The first matchup brings together former conference rivals as the Union Pines Vikings take on the Richmond Raiders. This will be the first time the two programs have faced each other since sharing a conference in 2024, when Richmond defeated Union Pines 27-8.
Now, this isn’t a regular season game, and this Vikings team isn’t the same team Richmond faced in 2024. If this were a regular game, I would take the Vikings. So, I’m giving the first one to the Moore County team.
Curt’s Pick: Union Pines
North Moore vs. Western Harnett — 7 p.m.
Game two, scheduled for 7 p.m. or following the conclusion of the first scrimmage, features the North Moore Mustangs and Western Harnett Eagles. The Mustangs enter year two of their rebuild after losing much of the talent from their historic teams of two and three years ago. North Moore finished 3-8 overall last season, but I have the Mustangs improving to 5-5 this year.
Western Harnett finished last season 3-7 overall. These are two programs that normally wouldn’t meet unless it was in a setting like the Kick-Off Classic. Western Harnett competes in the 6A classification and is part of Union Pines’ conference. I’m going to give the edge to the Eagles, tying the night at one apiece.
Curt’s Pick: Western Harnett
Pinecrest vs. Apex Friendship — 8 p.m.
The final scrimmage is scheduled to begin around 8 p.m. with the host Pinecrest Patriots taking on the Apex Friendship Patriots.
Pinecrest finished 8-3 last season, with its year ending in a close 32-31 loss to Chambers in the first round of the playoffs. Apex Friendship finished 9-2, falling 14-7 in overtime to Rolesville in the opening round. Both teams compete in the 8A classification, and statistically, there are plenty of similarities.
The biggest difference comes in how they move the football. Apex Friendship threw for nearly 500 more yards last season, while Pinecrest finished with more than 1,200 additional rushing yards. The teams were similar in passing touchdowns, interceptions and yards per carry. Defensively, the numbers are also close. Apex Friendship recorded more tackles and tackles per game last season, while Pinecrest finished with more tackles for loss. Apex had 6.5 more sacks, but Pinecrest's sacks accounted for 102 yards lost compared with 21 for Apex Friendship. The teams were also similar in defensive interceptions, while Pinecrest forced 10 more fumbles.
On paper, these teams are close, and it should make for a fun hour of football. But at home, with the crowd behind them, I think Pinecrest gets the edge.
That would give Moore County a 2-1 night.
Curt’s Pick: Pinecrest
The Kick-Off Classic won't count toward anyone's record, but by the end of Friday night, coaches and fans should have a much better idea of what their teams have heading into Week 1.
The real thing begins Aug. 21.
Written by Curtis Self
