Hoke County defeated Pinecrest 24-14 tonight in Raeford in the first round of the state 4-AA football playoffs.

Pinecrest got within three points, 17-14, midway through the fourth quarter, but the Bucks responded with a touchdown two minutes later.

In last week's Southeastern Conference finale, the Bucks came to Southern Pines and defeated the Patriots 35-7. Hoke County is now 10-2, while Pinecrest ends its season with a 5-7 mark.

The score was knotted at 7-all at halftime. Pinecrest took an early 7-0 lead on a short touchdown plunge from Dwayne Simpson. Hoke County tied it at 7-all with little time left in the half.

Hoke County took the lead in the third quarter, putting up a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. The Bucks tacked on a field goal early in the fourth period to take a 17-7 advantage.