09/02/2026
Curt’s Picks: Week 3 Football Predictions
Curt’s Picks has started the high school football season on a roll, starting 6-0.
Can the streak continue? Let's take a look.
----North Moore vs. West Davidson — CANCELED-----
There will be no pick for North Moore this week.
The Mustangs' scheduled game against West Davidson has been canceled and will not be made up.
According to sources at the school, North Moore has suffered several injuries over the past few weeks. The Mustangs also have several new players who have joined the program since the start of school.
North Moore has had a difficult start to the season, including losses to Fike and Wake Prep, but the week off could come at a good time. It gives the Mustangs an opportunity to get healthier, work with the new players and prepare for one of the games that means the most on their schedule.
North Moore will turn its attention to rivalry week at Chatham Central next week.
No Curt’s Pick — Game Canceled
------Union Pines (1-1) at Eastern Randolph (1-1)---------
This may be one of the more interesting games of the week.
Union Pines is coming off a heartbreaking 37-35 loss to Pinecrest in the Battle of the Pines. While it went into the loss column, the Vikings showed they can go toe-to-toe with a good football team. Union Pines opened the season with a 27-13 victory over Westover and has scored 62 points through its first two games.
Eastern Randolph is also 1-1 and is coming off an impressive 42-14 victory over Randleman. The two teams relatively close in its North Carolina rankings, with Union Pines at No. 111 and Eastern Randolph at No. 124.
I like what I saw from the Vikings against Pinecrest. Union Pines moved the football, responded when Pinecrest scored and was one possession away from knocking off its county rival. If the Vikings can get another strong performance from their offense, I think they leave Ramseur with their second win of the season.
Curt’s Pick: Union Pines 34, Eastern Randolph 10.
---------Davie County (1-1) at Pinecrest (1-1)----------
Pinecrest finally got into the win column last week, but it certainly wasn't easy.
After falling 41-40 in overtime to Cleveland in the season opener, the Patriots found themselves in another close game against Union Pines. This time, Pinecrest finished the job with a 37-35 victory.
The Patriots remain at home Friday night against Davie County. Both teams enter at 1-1.
Davie County shouldn't be overlooked. The War Eagles bounced back from a 42-13 loss to West Forsyth by defeating West Rowan 42-14.
But statistically, Pinecrest has the advantage in several areas. The Patriots are averaging 181.5 rushing yards and 202 passing yards per game. Davie County is listed at 47 rushing yards and 151 passing yards per game.
Pinecrest also showed against Union Pines that it has multiple players capable of making plays. Marquise McNair rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Eric Melton finished with 97 receiving yards and a touchdown.
My biggest concern with Pinecrest through two games has been finishing. The Patriots have played two games decided by a combined three points. I'd like to see them take control and not leave the outcome to the final few possessions. I think Friday could be that night.
Curt’s Pick: Pinecrest 35, Davie County 14
---Liberty Christian (2-0) at Sandhills Classical (1-0)----
This one gave me the most trouble.
Sandhills Classical opened its season with a 44-30 victory over Father Capodanno, giving the Lions a 1-0 start.
Liberty Christian comes to Whispering Pines at 2-0 and has been impressive. The Heat defeated Father Capodanno 26-14 and then shut out Community Christian 44-0.
That common opponent catches my attention.
Sandhills Classical scored 44 against Father Capodanno but allowed 30. Liberty Christian scored 26 against the Grunts while allowing just 14.
Liberty Christian also has a dangerous rushing attack. Quarterback Eddie Deptola is averaging 153.5 rushing yards per game through the early portion of the season and has accounted for four touchdowns.
There is another reason I think this game could be close. These programs know each other. Sandhills Classical defeated Liberty Christian 22-6 in their most recent meeting last November.
The Lions have already shown they can score. The question is whether they can slow down Liberty Christian's rushing attack enough to keep their offense on the field.
I'm going against the Moore County team on this one. I think Liberty Christian's strong start and rushing game give the Heat a slight advantage, but I expect Sandhills Classical to keep it close.
Curt’s Pick: Liberty Christian 30, Sandhills Classical 26
Week 3: Curt’s Picks
Current Football Record: 6-0
Union Pines 34, Eastern Randolph 10
Pinecrest 35, Davie County 14
Liberty Christian 30, Sandhills Classical 26
North Moore vs. West Davidson — Canceled
