High-school football returns to the spotlight tonight as six teams gather at Pinecrest for the Moore County Kickoff Classic. Also in Friday’s Sandhills Sports Report, champions have been crowned at Pinehurst and the Carolina Panthers are preparing for Buffalo without their starting running back.
High-School Football Returns to Pinecrest
The Moore County Kickoff Classic gives local football fans their first look at Pinecrest, Union Pines and North Moore ahead of the 2026 regular season.
- 6 p.m.: Union Pines vs. Richmond
- 7 p.m.: North Moore vs. Western Harnett
- 8 p.m.: Pinecrest vs. Apex Friendship
The event provides all three Moore County programs with an opportunity to test their players against regional competition before the games begin counting in the standings.
Star 102.5 is once again the radio home of Pinecrest Patriots football. Fans unable to attend can hear the Pinecrest matchup live on Star 102.5 and online through Moore Sports Radio.
Champions Crowned at Pinehurst
Rick Stewart rallied from two shots behind during the final round to capture the 75th North & South Senior Amateur Championship at Pinehurst.
Stewart closed with a one-under-par 71, finishing the tournament at three-under 213. That was enough to secure a one-stroke victory over Greg Seelinger.
Rick Cloninger won the men’s Super Senior division after posting consecutive rounds in the 60s.
Kim Keyer Scott claimed the North & South Senior Women’s Championship. Scott finished with a final-round 73 and a tournament total of seven-over 223, earning a two-shot victory. Joan Gardner captured the women’s Super Senior championship by one stroke.
Panthers Preparing for Buffalo Without Chuba Hubbard
The Carolina Panthers will be without starting running back Chuba Hubbard when they visit the Buffalo Bills Saturday afternoon.
Head coach Dave Canales described Hubbard as week-to-week after the running back suffered a hamstring injury during practice. The Panthers remain hopeful that he will be ready for the regular-season opener.
Jonathon Brooks and Trevor Etienne are expected to split first-team carries against Buffalo. The appearance will mark Brooks’ first game action since suffering his second ACL injury during Week 14 of the 2024 season.
Bryce Young is expected to play approximately 10 to 20 snaps before Kenny Pickett takes over. Kyle Trask is scheduled to finish the game, while rookie Haynes King will remain sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Kickoff between Carolina and Buffalo is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday.
Sources: Moore Sports Radio, AmateurGolf.com and the Carolina Panthers.
