Week One Gridiron Results
Week One of the 2026 high school football season is in the books, and Curt’s Picks starts the season 4-0.
There were blowouts, a rivalry game and an overtime thriller that came down to the final play. Let’s see how my picks compared to what actually happened on the field.
North Moore vs. Fike
Curt’s Pick: Fike by 7
Final: Fike 80, North Moore 0
Pick: CORRECT ✓
Well, I got the winner right, but I definitely missed how this one would play out.
North Moore was blown out at home, 80-0, to open its season. To find the last time the Mustangs lost by that amount, you would have to go back to 2009, when Albemarle defeated North Moore 86-0.
It was trouble from the beginning for the Mustangs as Fike returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and never looked back.
North Moore looked like it might finally put points on the board just before halftime, but Lambert threw a pick-six that added to the Fike lead.
The Mustangs will look to put this one behind them when they hit the road next week to take on Wake Prep.
Union Pines vs. Westover
Curt’s Pick: Union Pines by at least 20
Final: Union Pines 27, Westover 13
Pick: CORRECT ✓
The Vikings opened the season with a 27-13 win over Westover.
Union Pines took the lead in the second quarter and never looked back. The Vikings continued to build on their lead, scoring twice to take control of the game.
Westover returned a kickoff for a touchdown to try to get back into it, but that would end the comeback attempt.
Union Pines will head south next Friday for the Battle of the Pines against Pinecrest.
Moore Daily Sports will be at Pinecrest next week for the game.
Pinecrest at Cleveland
Curt’s Pick: Cleveland by 10
Final: Cleveland 41, Pinecrest 40 (OT)
Pick: CORRECT ✓
This one was a lot closer than I predicted.
Pinecrest started its season on the road in Clayton against Cleveland. The Patriots trailed for the majority of the game, with Cleveland building its lead to as many as 20 points.
But Pinecrest slowly etched away at the lead, scoring 34 points and turning what looked like it could be a comfortable Cleveland win into a thriller.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Cleveland answered back. The Rams marched down the field and tied the game with just 14 seconds remaining, sending it to overtime.
Pinecrest scored first in overtime, but on the extra-point attempt, an almost blocked kick sent the holder scrambling, and he couldn't get across the goal line.
Cleveland answered with a touchdown on its possession and made the extra point to escape with a 41-40 victory.
Pinecrest will return home next week to host Union Pines in this year’s Battle of the Pines.
Father Capodanno at Sandhills Classical Christian
Curt’s Pick: Sandhills Classical by at least 28
Final: Sandhills Classical 44, Father Capodanno 30
Pick: CORRECT ✓
Sandhills Classical opened its season with a 44-30 win over crosstown rival Father Capodanno.
I expected the Lions to win big after they defeated the Grunts twice last season, 38-12 and 40-0.
Father Capodanno made this one much more competitive, but Sandhills Classical still came away with a 14-point victory to start its season with a win.
This rivalry isn't finished yet. The Lions and Grunts will face off again later this season. Next week Father Capodanno will be off until September the 11, where they will open their new facility against Maryland School of the Deaf. Sandhills Classical will have a bye next week and will host Liberty Christian September 4.
Written and photo by Curtis Self.
