Hoke County football had its opening game last Friday, while the rest of the Bucks’ fall sports teams continued their respective seasons. Here’s a round-up of how each team is faring early in the year.
Football
A year after opening the season with a 7-0 win over Jack Britt, the Bucks and Buccaneers played another tight opener. This one went against Hoke, however, as the Bucks dropped a home opener, 27-22. The Bucks fell behind, 12-0 and struggled to cut into that early lead, closing the gap to five with five minutes remaining on a Brandon Saunders pass to William Leak for a touchdown, followed by a Favor Anab run for the two-point conversion. A last-minute Bucks drive for the win was stopped on downs on the Britt 17, however. Saunders threw two touchdowns and a two-point conversion but also had two interceptions. Anab had 54 yards rushing and a touchdown run to go with his two-pointer. Leak and Tycen Vick caught the Saunders touchdowns.
Hoke now tries to earn its first win of the season on the road, with a trip to South View, Friday at 7:30. The Tigers lost to Overhills, 20-13, in their opener and are coming off a 7-4 season.
Boys’ soccer
The Bucks boys’ soccer team extended its unbeaten start to three straight, beating Terry Sanford, 2-0 and South View, 1-0. The winning and shutout streaks came to an end at Clayton, when Hoke fell, 4-1. They got back on the winning track with a 3-1 win at Red Springs and stand at 4-1 on the year. David Hernandez leads the team with three goals, while Pedro Ramos-Alejandro has four assists.
This week, Hoke hosts Lumberton, then plays at Cape Fear.
Volleyball
The Bucks are now unbeaten through their first five games after sweeping three last week. It’s the best start for the Hoke County volleyball team in decades.
Making the week even more impressive, Hoke won all three games on the road, without dropping a game, getting 3-0 wins at Red Springs, E.E. Smith and St. Pauls.
Hoke heads to Scotland this week before returning home to face Lee County as the Bucks open their Sandhills Conference schedule with two league opponents.
