The Sandhills Athletic Conference, led by SAC president and Hoke County Athletic Director, Gary Brigman, hosted its annual Football Media Day as Coaches, Players, and School Administrators “met the press” on Sunday at Hoke County High School. The conference is one of the few in the state that still holds this traditional football event. The conference will again be a split 3A/4A with Union Pines, Lee County, Southern Lee, and Scotland County competing as the 3A schools while Hoke County, Richmond County, and Pinecrest are the 4A members. Numerous teams had deep runs into the playoffs last year and much of the same is expected from this year's teams. Coaches agree that playing in this conference prepares their teams for the playoffs. At this yearś event, Hoke County was represented by #3 Sr. Strong Safety Te'John Darden, #9 Sr. running back Ethan Wallace, #77 Sr center Mathias Green, and #91 Jr. nose guard/defensive tackle Randolph Sanders. The players discussed the new attitude found within the team to play with more discipline, consistency, and accountability. Great things are expected from RB Ethan Wallace, Coach Smalls spoke of Ethan as a true leader on the team who does things the right way, as the offense will rely heavily on his running throughout the year. Player numbers are up this year, adding some depth for the Bucks as they compete in one of the strongest conferences in the state. The Fighting Bucks will finish up the pre-season with a scrimmage tonight (8/10) at Pine Forest starting at 6 pm and finally taking part in the Cumberland County Football Showcase this Friday night (8/12) with a scrimmage at Cape Fear where they will face an old conference foe, Jack Britt High School. The Bucks will open its season at home August 18th, against the Bears of Grays Creek, game was moved due to weather . Hoke County will then host Lumberton High School on Friday, August 26th, against which is also “New Employee Appreciation Night” in Raz Autry Stadium. Football kick-off is set for 7:30 pm.