Local high school football returns to the spotlight this week, while the Carolina Panthers prepare to give their starters their first preseason action and the PGA Tour begins its postseason.
Moore County Kickoff Classic Returns Friday
Football season gets its unofficial start in Moore County Friday night with the annual Moore County Kickoff Classic at Pinecrest High School’s John Williams Athletic Complex.
The three-game jamboree will give fans an early look at all three Moore County public high school football programs.
Union Pines will open the action against Richmond at 6 p.m. North Moore will meet Western Harnett at 7 p.m., followed by Pinecrest taking on Apex Friendship at 8 p.m.
Gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., and admission is $11.
The Kickoff Classic allows players to compete against outside opponents before the beginning of the regular season. It also gives coaches an opportunity to evaluate their teams under game-like conditions.
Bryce Young and Panthers Starters Prepare for Buffalo
Carolina Panthers fans should get their first preseason look at quarterback Bryce Young and the team’s starting units Saturday when Carolina visits the Buffalo Bills.
Head coach Dave Canales said the Panthers’ first-team players are expected to receive approximately 10 to 20 snaps. Young and many of Carolina’s starters were held out of the team’s preseason opener.
The limited appearance should provide an early indication of how the starting offense is developing before the regular season. It will also be an important test for players competing for positions throughout the Panthers’ lineup.
Kickoff between Carolina and Buffalo is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday.
FedExCup Playoffs Begin in Memphis
The PGA Tour postseason begins Thursday with the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis.
Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the FedExCup points leader. The 70-player field also features Rory McIlroy and several other major championship winners.
The tournament represents the first of three FedExCup Playoff events. Only the top 50 players in the standings following Sunday’s final round will advance to the BMW Championship.
With 20 players facing elimination, every round could have a major effect on the playoff standings. The tournament carries a $20 million purse, including $3.6 million for the winner.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship begins Thursday and continues through Sunday.
Sources: The Pines Times, Carolina Panthers, PGA Tour and Reuters.
