It was a successful start to the 2023 high school football season for two of the three teams in the area. North Moore High School and Pinecrest High School both opened their seasons with non-conference wins, while Union Pines High School took a loss in the opener.
North Moore, coming off a 13-1 season last year and trip to the state quarterfinals, got off on the right foot as the Mustangs shut out Carver, 27-0, on the road. The Mustangs were led by 114 yards and a touchdown on the ground by Kolby Ritchie. Jakarey Gillis added 77 yards and a score, while Nathan Rogers had 66 yards and two touchdowns.
Pinecrest, looking to improve on last year’s 9-3 campaign, blew out Knightdale in its home opener by a 48-0 margin. Zymire Spencer led the way for the Patriots with 169 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the day. Jaylin Morgan added a pair of scores on the ground.
Union Pines is coming off of a 3-7 season in 2022 and will need to dig out of an 0-1 hole after dropping its home opener to Triton by a 41-12 margin. One of the bright spots for the Vikings was a 65-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Goswick to Caleb Milton to close the game’s scoring.
Moore County Week Two High School Schedule:
Friday Aug. 25, 7:00 PM, Union Pines Vikings (0-1) at Northwood Chargers (0-1, 4-6 in 2022)
Friday Aug. 25, 7:30 PM, North Moore Mustangs (1-0) home vs. Southwestern Randolph Cougars (1-0, 6-4 in 2022)
Friday Aug. 25, 7:30 PM, Pinecrest Patriots (1-0) at Overhills Jaguars (0-1, 7-4 in 2022)
